Descripción: 'Best of Dubai' is a testament to the dedication and innovative zeal of all the men and women that...
B E S T
O F
DUBAI A N D T H E N O RT H E R N E M I R AT E S V o l u m e 2
Inside White Page_L1.qxp
12/6/06
8:52 PM
Page 4
International Group Publisher Sven Boermeester
'If history repeats itself, then we are in for an excellent future'. This past year has been a time for Dubai to celebrate the era of diversified progress that economic growth and heightened development has fostered in all spheres. It is also a time for the emirate and its people to consolidate the rapid pace of change so that the impressive socio-economic indicators remain strong, persistently forging ahead to embrace fresh regional and global potentials. Conveying this inexorable human capital, the second volume of 'Best of Dubai' is a testament to the dedication and innovative zeal of all the men and women that underscore the business successes of Dubai. We trace their individual stories as they reinforce the foundations of an emirate that stands as a role model of excellence in the Middle East. Building on their progress in dedicated chapters, we deepen our scope in the discovery of new companies, people and lifestyles that weave together to create a colourfully exciting multi-cultural fabric of society. Together we aim to continue our mission to inspire, in a positive scenario that extends worldwide. This yearly publication viewed as an elegant access to business, tourism and lifestyles, is part of the 'Global Village Partnerships' publishing model that now extends across 20 countries with a further 130 on the anvil. Our editorial model is simple and is proving to be incisive. Through the illustration of companies in different sectors making innovative contributions underscored by powerful branding and effective corporate social responsibility, participants showcased plug into a vast global readership that is leveraged through a niche distribution extended worldwide. To complement the readership of our print model we have developed www.globalvillageproduct.com where all our publications can be viewed and downloaded online. With each edition, 'Best of Dubai' will continue to tell stories, drawing on the visions, missions and strategies of individuals and companies that represent the dynamics of an emirate in transition. In these pages, readers will gain perception into how these vital stakeholders, large and small, are collaborating together to ensure a better Dubai, a better Region and ultimately, a better world.
Publisher & Managing Group Editor Lisa Durante CEO Majdi Ali Production & Design Manager Luisa SDC Williams Regional Director Matt Davis Sales & Marketing Director Alenoosh Mirzakhanian Media Consultants Jocelyn Chidiac Lara Faraj Nadia Al Sheikh Printing Emirates Printing Press Creative Director Ravi Handve Administration Sharon Rosales Contributors Sophie Neil Geoff King Rita Kelaita Jane Meikle Muskan Ohri Loft Office 1, Entrance- C, Office 209, Dubai Media City, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. No.: +971 4 3671039 Fax No.: +971 4 3672505 Email
[email protected] [email protected] Website www.GlobalVillageProduct.com Published by One2One Publishing a division of One2One Group FZ LLC
ISBN # 1-904566-78-2 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the Best of Dubai vol.1 publication. Neither Best of Dubai nor One2One Publishing FZ LLC take any responsibility for errors or omissions.
All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.
Best of Dubai
3
Design & Interiors Health & Beauty
4 Best of Dubai Best of Dubai
Chapter Pg 302 - 325
Chapter Pg 284 - 289
Mall Desitnations
Chapter Pg 348 - 359
Fashion & Jewellery Chapter Pg 278 - 281
Chapter Pg 120 - 125
Chapter Pg 106 - 117
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Chapter Pg 292 - 299
Chapter Pg 138 - 151
Chapter Pg 128 - 135
Chapter Pg 246 - 275
Chapter Pg 232 - 243
Chapter Pg 90 - 103
Chapter Pg 78 - 87
Fine Dining
Chapter Pg 328 - 345
Chapter Pg 166 - 195
Chapter Pg 154 - 163
Chapter Pg 208 - 229
Chapter Pg 198 - 205
Chapter Pg 50 - 75
Chapter Pg 24 - 47
Contents
Best of Dubai Hotels & Hospitality Young People
Casual Dining Banking & Finance
Luxury Lifestyles
5
Corporate Profiles
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Construction & Engineering Technology
Food & Beverage The Arts & Media
Training & Education Setting Up in Dubai
Design & Interiors Health & Beauty
4 Best of Dubai Best of Dubai
Chapter Pg 302 - 325
Chapter Pg 284 - 289
Mall Desitnations
Chapter Pg 348 - 359
Fashion & Jewellery Chapter Pg 278 - 281
Chapter Pg 120 - 125
Chapter Pg 106 - 117
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Chapter Pg 292 - 299
Chapter Pg 138 - 151
Chapter Pg 128 - 135
Chapter Pg 246 - 275
Chapter Pg 232 - 243
Chapter Pg 90 - 103
Chapter Pg 78 - 87
Fine Dining
Chapter Pg 328 - 345
Chapter Pg 166 - 195
Chapter Pg 154 - 163
Chapter Pg 208 - 229
Chapter Pg 198 - 205
Chapter Pg 50 - 75
Chapter Pg 24 - 47
Contents
Best of Dubai Hotels & Hospitality Young People
Casual Dining Banking & Finance
Luxury Lifestyles
5
Corporate Profiles
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Construction & Engineering Technology
Food & Beverage The Arts & Media
Training & Education Setting Up in Dubai
"Waiting has never been our choice in the past, nor is it in the present. We are always striving, anticipating the future and preparing for it". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 1 Best of Dubai
"Waiting has never been our choice in the past, nor is it in the present. We are always striving, anticipating the future and preparing for it". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 1 Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
Trade Foundation.qxp
12/11/06
1:06 PM
Page 1
Creek Life Dubai's transition from a small fishing and trading community into the global economy fray represents a parable of remarkable urban development and economic diversification. Thanks to the bold exploitation of unique niches, the strengthening of weak links and aggressive pursuit of iconic or at least record breaking architecture, the emirate has upped its regional profile and kudos worldwide. IT would be easy to presume that this impressive entry on to the world stage has been funded by oil money, but that's not the case. Oil revenues amount to less than six percent of the emirate's income. Historically, Dubai was a trading post between East Asia and Europe, with a history of pearl diving, commerce ensconced in a Bedouin heritage. Thanks to the astuteness of its rulers the Maktoum dynasty founded in 1833 - combined with favourable geopolitical conditions, it is regaining that role on a grander scale. Positioning itself at the crossroads of continents and economies, the modest oil reserves discovered in the 1960s, were cannily invested by Sheikh Mohammed's father, Sheikh Rashid, to upgrade Dubai's port facilities and free-trade amenities. This has resulted in a location sufficiently liberal to attract western corporations and tourists, but Islamic enough to attract Arab money too. With the can-do attitude and feudal might of Sheikh Mohammed, the mission persists. Elevating the concept of cluster economies to an art that is reaping vast dividends, to attract more IT companies, he commissioned a technology zone called Internet City. To compete as a broadcasting centre, Media City was developed, and to place Dubai as a financial stop-over on the daily global trading cycle between London and Hong Kong, a mammoth Dubai International Finance Centre - a business district larger than Canary Wharf - is already capitalising from its world class legal and regulatory frame work to attract financial institutions keen to position themselves in this region immersed in oil wealth and the trillions of dollars that have been repatriated from the US since 9/11.
Loved by his subjects and respected by Dubai's expatriate population that forms 80 per cent of the emirate's 1.2 million population. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is an avid horse racing patron, and a champion endurance horse racer with numerous world titles to his name. As the self avowed chairman of what is referred to as 'Dubai Inc.', his innovative moves based on fostering a knowledge economy, have propelled Dubai into pole position regionally. What is perceived as the successful Dubai model has inspired neighbouring countries in dire need of economic diversification from oil related revenues and job creation for the burgeoning demographic explosion of under 25's to replicate his concepts in free zone development, tourism infrastructure initiatives and property ownership for foreigners. Zany real estate projects notwithstanding, Dubai has worked tirelessly to develop its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments - the hallmarks of an advanced society. Today
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his sons, their Highnesses Hamdan, Rashid and Maktoum
HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
24
Best of Dubai
Trade Foundation.qxp
12/11/06
1:06 PM
Page 2
HH, the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
that industrious approach is definitely paying dividends. In 2005, Dubai's economy grew around 16 per cent to an estimated US$37 billion, with non-oil GDP increasing by 14.92 percent. This illustrates the fabulous success of the emirate's diversification programme, which has been a central plank of government policy since the 1980s. Despite the visionary projects and never-ending expansion that characterise Dubai, the links with the past remain strong. The UAE is conservative, and is one of the last Gulf States to broaden the participation in the political process. Scratching the surface beneath the gleaming edifices that epitomise the emirate's high standards of living, westernized mores and flourishing economy, a parallel system and population from Iran and South Asia control traditional trading on the banks of Dubai's Creek. This legendary waterway crossing Dubai has been a vital part of Dubai's trading past; shaping the city from a flourishing fishing and pearl diving centre to international port in one the fastest developing cities of the world. The Creek remains a hive of activity since time immemorial, with dhows still plying ancient trade routes to Iran, India and East Africa. It is the symbol of how tradition can coexist with modernity and prosper despite the manic pace of change.
HH, the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Best of Dubai
25
There is no doubt that this traditional commercial trading model that Dubai's economy was based on is still thriving alongside the new genre of economic model - the knowledge economy, now taking shape.
Best of Dubai
Bussiness bay Story.qxp
12/28/2006
4:45 PM
Page 1
Business Bay
With development in Dubai racing ahead at breakneck speed, what factors ensure that Business Bay will deserve the recognition and sustainability you have envisaged? "Business Bay has been planned as a mixed-use urban development, which offers the best design strategy for combining housing, employment, retail, cultural, and recreational activities in a people-friendly environment, creating dynamic, attractive neighbourhoods and communities".
Welcome to the newest symbol of the emirate's progress as it embodies the crucial role that the Creek plays in Dubai's past as well its future.
With the development of Business Bay marking the first concrete initiative to create a new commercial epicentre, are there more plans to increase the existence of additional commercial hubs, which by extension will enhance Dubai's role as a 'city at the crossroads of continents and economies'? "Dubai's economy is diversifying and the reliance on non-oil sectors means that the enhancement of existing commercial centres as well as the development of more commercial enterprises is inevitable. The World Bank has ranked the UAE 69th worldwide in terms of cost of doing business in 2005, higher than many other Middle East and North African countries. It also takes less time comparatively to secure property rights in the UAE - three steps and nine days to register property in Dubai compared with three steps and 52.2 days in MENA. Thus the UAE's competitiveness continues to attract investors, thereby necessitating the need to constantly improve our commercial centres and the associated facilities. At the same time, this eventually enhances Dubai's role as an important financial, trade and manufacturing hub in the world".
A city within a city, Business Bay is a freehold commercial, residential and business cluster that extends the famous Dubai Creek from Ras Al Khor to Sheikh Zayed Road. Covering an area of 64 million square feet, Business Bay will feature facilities such as commercial and residential towers, landscaped expanses of green, amenities every ilk, as well as a network for roads for easy access and exit. It will also boast canals to add to the project's themed aspect that government developer, Dubai Properties, is hoping to attract: regional and international business ventures and multinationals. The first phase of Dubai's staggering transformation into a buzzing hive of commercial activity began with the dredging of the Creek in the 1970s. With the new extension of the Creek, and the creation of Business Bay, developers hope that Dubai's entry into the premier business cities' league is finally ensured. Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties, shares his insights about this new topographical wonder to Dubai's expanding urban-scape. How was the idea to expand upon the existing Dubai Creek and extend it into Business Bay formulated and why? "Dubai Creek has an historic value as the commercial centre of Dubai. Trading ships from India, Iran and the Arabian Gulf traded on the abra from as far back as 1850s. As a result when the idea for Business Bay as the region's business capital was conceived, we felt that it was symbolic to extend the Creek towards the new growth sector of the city, Sheikh Zayed Road and its environs". In what specific ways will Business Bay enhance Dubai's position as an Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties
international player in the world iconic real estate infrastructure? "Business Bay will offer world class infrastructure, in terms of road networks and accessibility, as well as modern telecommunication facilities in hi-tech, sustainable commercial towers. In addition to providing a platform for international business, the mixed-use development will be supported by a strong retail sector and integrated residential projects. As opposed to traditional commercial areas that wind down in the evenings, Business Bay will be a thriving and selfsufficient community". What partnerships with industry stakeholders and international corporations, has Dubai Properties fostered in the development of Business Bay, and why? "Dubai Properties has ties with the local and regional business community. We have been approached by regional and international corporations to set up their regional headquarters in Business Bay. In addition, we have also entered into partnership with developers such as Sungwon, Bando, Porsche and Versace, among others, to develop world-first projects that will enhance the reputation of Business Bay as an enviable place to do business".
26
Best of Dubai
With the desire to draw comparisons to Business Bay and other architectural and engineering achievements worldwide, what country or existing architectural feat would you say most inspired the concept behind the project and why? "Business Bay is inspired by the great financial centres of our time. However, successful urban environments are not just an emulation of other cities. With Business Bay, through its architectural and commercial achievements, our intention is to provide international executives and investors with another world-class commercial centre that provides something in addition to existing hubs". Can you define what Business Bay will mean for Dubai and for the architectural and commercial world as a whole and how will this add to reshaping the future of commerce in the region? "Business Bay will be to Dubai what Manhattan is to New York or Ginza is to Tokyo. It will provide the best possible commercial environment to world-class companies, international investors and multinational businesses. Our aim is to create a distinct personality for Dubai and its business heritage through architectural achievements, new market trends and bustling, self-sufficient urban environments that adopt international business practice with the Middle East touch". Given the fact that you are so involved in the fabric of Dubai's infrastructure and society, where would you like to see Dubai within ten years in terms of its international real estate development? "Dubai enjoys a good reputation in the international community, and that is mainly in part due to the efforts of its progressive government. At the
Best of Dubai
27
Dancing Towers, Zahar Hadid’s enlightned architectural landmark
same time, we hope to see more legislation and initiatives from the public and private sectors that will facilitate Dubai's growth beyond this region. In terms of real estate development, there are already a lot of projects under planning or in progress that will add to the value of this city, precipitating constant change in the infrastructure and society. Within ten years, we hope to see Dubai at the same level as the most advanced cities in the world". What makes an area particularly suited to mixed-use tenancy structures? "Mixed-use projects are a sophisticated trend that offers smart growth to the retail industry, bringing greater lifestyle convenience to communities. Facilities such as gardens, parkways, waterways and children's play areas, create relaxing zones and comfort in mixed-use developments. An extensive analysis of city life establishes the fact that people thrive on spontaneous and circumstantial interaction. Mixed-use developments, such as the Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, complement the city's architectural objectives, while providing amenities for people to live, work, and play within the same premises". www.businessbay.ae
Best of Dubai
Bussiness bay Story.qxp
12/28/2006
4:45 PM
Page 1
Business Bay
With development in Dubai racing ahead at breakneck speed, what factors ensure that Business Bay will deserve the recognition and sustainability you have envisaged? "Business Bay has been planned as a mixed-use urban development, which offers the best design strategy for combining housing, employment, retail, cultural, and recreational activities in a people-friendly environment, creating dynamic, attractive neighbourhoods and communities".
Welcome to the newest symbol of the emirate's progress as it embodies the crucial role that the Creek plays in Dubai's past as well its future.
With the development of Business Bay marking the first concrete initiative to create a new commercial epicentre, are there more plans to increase the existence of additional commercial hubs, which by extension will enhance Dubai's role as a 'city at the crossroads of continents and economies'? "Dubai's economy is diversifying and the reliance on non-oil sectors means that the enhancement of existing commercial centres as well as the development of more commercial enterprises is inevitable. The World Bank has ranked the UAE 69th worldwide in terms of cost of doing business in 2005, higher than many other Middle East and North African countries. It also takes less time comparatively to secure property rights in the UAE - three steps and nine days to register property in Dubai compared with three steps and 52.2 days in MENA. Thus the UAE's competitiveness continues to attract investors, thereby necessitating the need to constantly improve our commercial centres and the associated facilities. At the same time, this eventually enhances Dubai's role as an important financial, trade and manufacturing hub in the world".
A city within a city, Business Bay is a freehold commercial, residential and business cluster that extends the famous Dubai Creek from Ras Al Khor to Sheikh Zayed Road. Covering an area of 64 million square feet, Business Bay will feature facilities such as commercial and residential towers, landscaped expanses of green, amenities every ilk, as well as a network for roads for easy access and exit. It will also boast canals to add to the project's themed aspect that government developer, Dubai Properties, is hoping to attract: regional and international business ventures and multinationals. The first phase of Dubai's staggering transformation into a buzzing hive of commercial activity began with the dredging of the Creek in the 1970s. With the new extension of the Creek, and the creation of Business Bay, developers hope that Dubai's entry into the premier business cities' league is finally ensured. Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties, shares his insights about this new topographical wonder to Dubai's expanding urban-scape. How was the idea to expand upon the existing Dubai Creek and extend it into Business Bay formulated and why? "Dubai Creek has an historic value as the commercial centre of Dubai. Trading ships from India, Iran and the Arabian Gulf traded on the abra from as far back as 1850s. As a result when the idea for Business Bay as the region's business capital was conceived, we felt that it was symbolic to extend the Creek towards the new growth sector of the city, Sheikh Zayed Road and its environs". In what specific ways will Business Bay enhance Dubai's position as an Hashim Al Dabal, CEO, Dubai Properties
international player in the world iconic real estate infrastructure? "Business Bay will offer world class infrastructure, in terms of road networks and accessibility, as well as modern telecommunication facilities in hi-tech, sustainable commercial towers. In addition to providing a platform for international business, the mixed-use development will be supported by a strong retail sector and integrated residential projects. As opposed to traditional commercial areas that wind down in the evenings, Business Bay will be a thriving and selfsufficient community". What partnerships with industry stakeholders and international corporations, has Dubai Properties fostered in the development of Business Bay, and why? "Dubai Properties has ties with the local and regional business community. We have been approached by regional and international corporations to set up their regional headquarters in Business Bay. In addition, we have also entered into partnership with developers such as Sungwon, Bando, Porsche and Versace, among others, to develop world-first projects that will enhance the reputation of Business Bay as an enviable place to do business".
26
Best of Dubai
With the desire to draw comparisons to Business Bay and other architectural and engineering achievements worldwide, what country or existing architectural feat would you say most inspired the concept behind the project and why? "Business Bay is inspired by the great financial centres of our time. However, successful urban environments are not just an emulation of other cities. With Business Bay, through its architectural and commercial achievements, our intention is to provide international executives and investors with another world-class commercial centre that provides something in addition to existing hubs". Can you define what Business Bay will mean for Dubai and for the architectural and commercial world as a whole and how will this add to reshaping the future of commerce in the region? "Business Bay will be to Dubai what Manhattan is to New York or Ginza is to Tokyo. It will provide the best possible commercial environment to world-class companies, international investors and multinational businesses. Our aim is to create a distinct personality for Dubai and its business heritage through architectural achievements, new market trends and bustling, self-sufficient urban environments that adopt international business practice with the Middle East touch". Given the fact that you are so involved in the fabric of Dubai's infrastructure and society, where would you like to see Dubai within ten years in terms of its international real estate development? "Dubai enjoys a good reputation in the international community, and that is mainly in part due to the efforts of its progressive government. At the
Best of Dubai
27
Dancing Towers, Zahar Hadid’s enlightned architectural landmark
same time, we hope to see more legislation and initiatives from the public and private sectors that will facilitate Dubai's growth beyond this region. In terms of real estate development, there are already a lot of projects under planning or in progress that will add to the value of this city, precipitating constant change in the infrastructure and society. Within ten years, we hope to see Dubai at the same level as the most advanced cities in the world". What makes an area particularly suited to mixed-use tenancy structures? "Mixed-use projects are a sophisticated trend that offers smart growth to the retail industry, bringing greater lifestyle convenience to communities. Facilities such as gardens, parkways, waterways and children's play areas, create relaxing zones and comfort in mixed-use developments. An extensive analysis of city life establishes the fact that people thrive on spontaneous and circumstantial interaction. Mixed-use developments, such as the Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence, complement the city's architectural objectives, while providing amenities for people to live, work, and play within the same premises". www.businessbay.ae
Best of Dubai
Future Fantastic.qxp
12/28/2006
4:46 PM
Page 1
Future Fantastic With one in out of every six cranes worldwide operating in Dubai, the emirate's fast track development feeds on an endless supply of grandiose mega projects that provide a fresh impetus to Dubai's age-old trading reputation. The country is relentlessly, almost obsessively, building itself into significance. Under the auspices of the crown prince Sheikh Mohammed and the rest of the ruling Maktoum family, Dubai is being transformed from a blank canvas into an Arabic fusion of Singapore and Vegas. WORLD'S biggest manmade islands Made up of over one billion cubic metres of rock and sand, increasing Dubai's shoreline by 520 km with their nascent topography that will be visible from the Moon and can already be spotted from outer space, the 'iconic trio' are already considered the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Even though the three palm islands are still incomplete Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira - are rising from the water at break neck speed. Measuring 5.5 km in length and width, Jumeirah Palm will welcome a first batch of residents later this year. Cumulatively the three islands will eventually support over 60 luxury hotels, 4000 exclusive villas, 5000 shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, miscellaneous health and leisure facilities as well as shopping malls galore. www.thepalm.ae World's biggest man-made archepelago "The Palm put Dubai on the map, The World is putting the map on Dubai", so says government developer Nakheel chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. To be ready by 2008, the strategically positioned islands fashioned to resemble the global map, will consist of 250 to 300 smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories. Measuring nine km in length and seven km in width, covering over 593 million square feet, the islands are set to create over 200 km of beaches. The only means of transportation between these luxury hideaways will be by boat, helicopter and submarine.
World's biggest international airport
Palm Island, an impressive land reclamation project Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower
Dubai Sports City in Dubailand, the world’s largest theme park
Not a literal map of the world, channels have been carved between land masses such as 'France' and 'Spain', in order to create attractively saleable individual plots. Currently The World is undergoing its own tectonic shifts: a private consortium has purchased the whole of Australasia, so as to transform it into a holiday resort. They have plans to modify its shape completely by joining it all up with bridges, building a 12-storey hotel on the south island of New Zealand. The two-stage mammoth land reclamation project costing over US$ 3 billion follows the blueprint of the ultimate status symbol for the rich where owners buying individual 'nations' will have the freedom to create their personal lifestyle vision. Fascinated by the notion of owning a country, or even a continent, UK entrepreneur and Virgin chairman Richard Branson was recently spied pitching the British Union Jack on his latest purchase costing USD$ 30 million - the United Kingdom. www.theworld.ae
World's biggest theme park Spread over an area of two billion square feet, bigger in surface area than Liechtenstein, this mega project is touted to become the region's own version of Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida), Dubailand. An entertainment, hospitality and mixed-use residential project par excellence, work on the major $5 billion parallel city, which encompasses six themed worlds, is being carried out in phases to be complete by 2012. A few facilities, such as Dubai Heritage Vision, Dubai Autodrome and The Global Village are already operational. Hoping to attract over 200,000 visitors per day thanks to its futuristic leisure and retail attractions ranging from a snow-dome ice and leisure park, Falconcity of Wonders (replicating larger-than-life replicas of world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal), to a planet dome replete with animatronic dinosaurs as well as the world's largest shopping complex, 'Mall of Arabia', Dubailand is a testament to the emirate's determination to broaden its economy away from oil-related revenues towards tourism, real estate and leisure. www.dubailand.ae
Close to the Palm Island, ‘The World ‘ is a mixed-use archepelago to be reckoned with
28
Best of Dubai
World's biggest international airport Occupying a staggering 140 km site, twice the size of Hong Kong Island, Dubai World Central
Best of Dubai
29
International Airport will be the world's largest passenger and cargo hub boasting a capacity above 12 million tonnes of cargo and 120 million passengers annually when it is complete by 2012. An estimated AED 120 billion is being pumped into Dubai World Central, this multiphased development centred on the international airport at Jebel Ali. Dubai's charismatic aviation visionary, Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Chairman of Emirates Group recently announced: "The first phase of this mega-project - which primarily involves the development of infrastructure for DWC International Airport, Dubai Logistics City, Residential City, Commercial City, a Golf Resort and Enterprise Park - is already under construction and will be completed in the first quarter of 2008 at a total cost of AED 8 billion," . www.dubailogisticscity.com World's tallest tower With vertical supremacy at the core of the emirate's architectural ambitions, Burj Dubai (Arabic for 'Dubai Tower') is on the way to becoming the tallest skyscraper in the world, eclipsing current title holder, the 101 Taipei Tower in Taiwan. Blending commercial,
residential, retail, leisure and hospitality in its overall plan in the midst of Dubai's flourishing 'downtown' district, its exact height is being kept a secret but it is expected to be more than 800 metres high. Clearly Dubai is trying to build itself a future as a celebrated global city. In the process, it has become the largest architectural experiment on earth. Designed by US skyscraper specialists Skidmore Owings and Merrill, it is an elegant structure in construction since 2005. The lead architect, Adrian Smith who is responsible for Chicago's Sears tower and many more vertical behemoths worldwide is creating a landmark that will allow an unfettered panorama across the Gulf to Iran on a clear day. Based on this projected height, the total number of habitable floors is expected to be around 162. As of early October 2006, the Burj was at 75 stories and about 287 metres high. From a three-pronged footprint, it rises up in slender, silver-glazed tubes. Being billed as the 'the most prestigious square kilometre in the world' by its government developer Emaar, "The Burj is nothing about the past," says Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Emaar's chairman. "It's about saying, 'We have arrived. We're here.' " www.burjduabi.com
Best of Dubai
Future Fantastic.qxp
12/28/2006
4:46 PM
Page 1
Future Fantastic With one in out of every six cranes worldwide operating in Dubai, the emirate's fast track development feeds on an endless supply of grandiose mega projects that provide a fresh impetus to Dubai's age-old trading reputation. The country is relentlessly, almost obsessively, building itself into significance. Under the auspices of the crown prince Sheikh Mohammed and the rest of the ruling Maktoum family, Dubai is being transformed from a blank canvas into an Arabic fusion of Singapore and Vegas. WORLD'S biggest manmade islands Made up of over one billion cubic metres of rock and sand, increasing Dubai's shoreline by 520 km with their nascent topography that will be visible from the Moon and can already be spotted from outer space, the 'iconic trio' are already considered the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Even though the three palm islands are still incomplete Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira - are rising from the water at break neck speed. Measuring 5.5 km in length and width, Jumeirah Palm will welcome a first batch of residents later this year. Cumulatively the three islands will eventually support over 60 luxury hotels, 4000 exclusive villas, 5000 shoreline apartments, marinas, water parks, miscellaneous health and leisure facilities as well as shopping malls galore. www.thepalm.ae World's biggest man-made archepelago "The Palm put Dubai on the map, The World is putting the map on Dubai", so says government developer Nakheel chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. To be ready by 2008, the strategically positioned islands fashioned to resemble the global map, will consist of 250 to 300 smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories. Measuring nine km in length and seven km in width, covering over 593 million square feet, the islands are set to create over 200 km of beaches. The only means of transportation between these luxury hideaways will be by boat, helicopter and submarine.
World's biggest international airport
Palm Island, an impressive land reclamation project Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower
Dubai Sports City in Dubailand, the world’s largest theme park
Not a literal map of the world, channels have been carved between land masses such as 'France' and 'Spain', in order to create attractively saleable individual plots. Currently The World is undergoing its own tectonic shifts: a private consortium has purchased the whole of Australasia, so as to transform it into a holiday resort. They have plans to modify its shape completely by joining it all up with bridges, building a 12-storey hotel on the south island of New Zealand. The two-stage mammoth land reclamation project costing over US$ 3 billion follows the blueprint of the ultimate status symbol for the rich where owners buying individual 'nations' will have the freedom to create their personal lifestyle vision. Fascinated by the notion of owning a country, or even a continent, UK entrepreneur and Virgin chairman Richard Branson was recently spied pitching the British Union Jack on his latest purchase costing USD$ 30 million - the United Kingdom. www.theworld.ae
World's biggest theme park Spread over an area of two billion square feet, bigger in surface area than Liechtenstein, this mega project is touted to become the region's own version of Disneyworld in Orlando (Florida), Dubailand. An entertainment, hospitality and mixed-use residential project par excellence, work on the major $5 billion parallel city, which encompasses six themed worlds, is being carried out in phases to be complete by 2012. A few facilities, such as Dubai Heritage Vision, Dubai Autodrome and The Global Village are already operational. Hoping to attract over 200,000 visitors per day thanks to its futuristic leisure and retail attractions ranging from a snow-dome ice and leisure park, Falconcity of Wonders (replicating larger-than-life replicas of world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal), to a planet dome replete with animatronic dinosaurs as well as the world's largest shopping complex, 'Mall of Arabia', Dubailand is a testament to the emirate's determination to broaden its economy away from oil-related revenues towards tourism, real estate and leisure. www.dubailand.ae
Close to the Palm Island, ‘The World ‘ is a mixed-use archepelago to be reckoned with
28
Best of Dubai
World's biggest international airport Occupying a staggering 140 km site, twice the size of Hong Kong Island, Dubai World Central
Best of Dubai
29
International Airport will be the world's largest passenger and cargo hub boasting a capacity above 12 million tonnes of cargo and 120 million passengers annually when it is complete by 2012. An estimated AED 120 billion is being pumped into Dubai World Central, this multiphased development centred on the international airport at Jebel Ali. Dubai's charismatic aviation visionary, Sheikh Ahmed HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and Chairman of Emirates Group recently announced: "The first phase of this mega-project - which primarily involves the development of infrastructure for DWC International Airport, Dubai Logistics City, Residential City, Commercial City, a Golf Resort and Enterprise Park - is already under construction and will be completed in the first quarter of 2008 at a total cost of AED 8 billion," . www.dubailogisticscity.com World's tallest tower With vertical supremacy at the core of the emirate's architectural ambitions, Burj Dubai (Arabic for 'Dubai Tower') is on the way to becoming the tallest skyscraper in the world, eclipsing current title holder, the 101 Taipei Tower in Taiwan. Blending commercial,
residential, retail, leisure and hospitality in its overall plan in the midst of Dubai's flourishing 'downtown' district, its exact height is being kept a secret but it is expected to be more than 800 metres high. Clearly Dubai is trying to build itself a future as a celebrated global city. In the process, it has become the largest architectural experiment on earth. Designed by US skyscraper specialists Skidmore Owings and Merrill, it is an elegant structure in construction since 2005. The lead architect, Adrian Smith who is responsible for Chicago's Sears tower and many more vertical behemoths worldwide is creating a landmark that will allow an unfettered panorama across the Gulf to Iran on a clear day. Based on this projected height, the total number of habitable floors is expected to be around 162. As of early October 2006, the Burj was at 75 stories and about 287 metres high. From a three-pronged footprint, it rises up in slender, silver-glazed tubes. Being billed as the 'the most prestigious square kilometre in the world' by its government developer Emaar, "The Burj is nothing about the past," says Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Emaar's chairman. "It's about saying, 'We have arrived. We're here.' " www.burjduabi.com
12/28/2006
4:46 PM
Page 3
Design in Dubai
Future Fantastic.qxp
Dubai's small pocket of 'old town', the Bastakia Quarter, still boasts examples of historic, pre-industrial architecture. Generally built with coral and lime-mortar walls, enveloped by an open courtyard, the defining feature of these traditional Gulf houses is the barjeel or 'wind tower': a square tower rising above the roofline that channels the winds into the interior. Together with sun-shading, these traditional houses (or rebuilt versions of them) feel perfectly inhabitable in the summer months without air-conditioning. They are the ultimate in ‘Green Buildings.’
How should a 21st-century Arab city look like? Ibn Battuta Mall showcases Arabian Nights-themed indoor villages and a sprawling Chinese-styled atrium with a life-sized sailing vessel in the middle. Egyptian-decorated Wafi City is all about obelisks and pyramids. Nakheel's International City project, housing 60,000 people in practically identical blocks, each garbed in varied national styles: for Thailand, pagoda-like spires, for England, a faux Buckingham Palacestyle neo-classicism. There seems to be scarce distinction between resort architecture and residential housing. There is also not much of a holistic urban environment away from the old city centre, with discrete, self-contained developments, separated from each other by ten-lane highways or empty desert instead.
Let’s face it, despite the amazing innovations of Dubai, resource conservation and management has never been high on the list of priorities. With the highest rate of water consumption per capita in the world, planning a sustainable eco-friendly future has evidently been a scarce priority in Dubai. Whilst developed nations veer towards a low-energy future, the UAE has oodles of cheap energy and a grand vision to fulfil. Hopefully a new awareness will set in. In the meantime, even though predictions have been made for decades that the infamous bubble will burst sooner rather than later, the massive amount of real estate coming onto the market, and the foreign workforce required to build and purchase it, makes the stakes now higher than ever. Ultimately, the issue is 'can the rest of the world keep up with the emirate's vision' or is Dubai is in for a reality check?
30
Best of Dubai
Attempts have been made to adapt traditional Arabic architectural style to wide-scale contemporary commercial needs - most notably the Madinat Jumeirah, a complex of hotels, bars, shops and resort facilities surrounded by canals. Quirky and original, its mall is an indoor version of a traditional Arab souk, with craft shops and piped Bedouin music. Transport is also fun as you can move about the complex by internal river taxi. Even though the barjeels that make up its skyline are actually exhaust vents for the air-conditioning, the development comes together organically like an agglomeration of small buildings rather than an impersonal mega-structure.
An enduring symbol of 'we're modern, we're going forward,' Dubai's love story with iconic, or at least record-breaking, architecture began in 1999 with the creation of the Burj Al-Arab. At 56 storeys, it remains the tallest and only all-suites hotel in the world. Its simple sail-like form has become Dubai's national symbol designed by British architects Atkins, but initially conceived by Sheikh Mohammed himself.
Despite the many imaginative works in Dubai, architecturally Arab kitsch sometimes takes hold. Coloured glass and arbitrary turrets have been stuck onto concrete tower blocks. For residential estates and malls, sometimes Dubai risks co-opting the rest of the world for its architectural reference points. This is unnecessary with the thriving socio-economic diversity of the emirate, the unique climatic and environmental conditions and its desire for a recognizable global identity. Dubai is now abundantly ready to set trends in architecture by spearheading its own original design model.
Best of Dubai
31
12/28/2006
4:46 PM
Page 3
Design in Dubai
Future Fantastic.qxp
Dubai's small pocket of 'old town', the Bastakia Quarter, still boasts examples of historic, pre-industrial architecture. Generally built with coral and lime-mortar walls, enveloped by an open courtyard, the defining feature of these traditional Gulf houses is the barjeel or 'wind tower': a square tower rising above the roofline that channels the winds into the interior. Together with sun-shading, these traditional houses (or rebuilt versions of them) feel perfectly inhabitable in the summer months without air-conditioning. They are the ultimate in ‘Green Buildings.’
How should a 21st-century Arab city look like? Ibn Battuta Mall showcases Arabian Nights-themed indoor villages and a sprawling Chinese-styled atrium with a life-sized sailing vessel in the middle. Egyptian-decorated Wafi City is all about obelisks and pyramids. Nakheel's International City project, housing 60,000 people in practically identical blocks, each garbed in varied national styles: for Thailand, pagoda-like spires, for England, a faux Buckingham Palacestyle neo-classicism. There seems to be scarce distinction between resort architecture and residential housing. There is also not much of a holistic urban environment away from the old city centre, with discrete, self-contained developments, separated from each other by ten-lane highways or empty desert instead.
Let’s face it, despite the amazing innovations of Dubai, resource conservation and management has never been high on the list of priorities. With the highest rate of water consumption per capita in the world, planning a sustainable eco-friendly future has evidently been a scarce priority in Dubai. Whilst developed nations veer towards a low-energy future, the UAE has oodles of cheap energy and a grand vision to fulfil. Hopefully a new awareness will set in. In the meantime, even though predictions have been made for decades that the infamous bubble will burst sooner rather than later, the massive amount of real estate coming onto the market, and the foreign workforce required to build and purchase it, makes the stakes now higher than ever. Ultimately, the issue is 'can the rest of the world keep up with the emirate's vision' or is Dubai is in for a reality check?
30
Best of Dubai
Attempts have been made to adapt traditional Arabic architectural style to wide-scale contemporary commercial needs - most notably the Madinat Jumeirah, a complex of hotels, bars, shops and resort facilities surrounded by canals. Quirky and original, its mall is an indoor version of a traditional Arab souk, with craft shops and piped Bedouin music. Transport is also fun as you can move about the complex by internal river taxi. Even though the barjeels that make up its skyline are actually exhaust vents for the air-conditioning, the development comes together organically like an agglomeration of small buildings rather than an impersonal mega-structure.
An enduring symbol of 'we're modern, we're going forward,' Dubai's love story with iconic, or at least record-breaking, architecture began in 1999 with the creation of the Burj Al-Arab. At 56 storeys, it remains the tallest and only all-suites hotel in the world. Its simple sail-like form has become Dubai's national symbol designed by British architects Atkins, but initially conceived by Sheikh Mohammed himself.
Despite the many imaginative works in Dubai, architecturally Arab kitsch sometimes takes hold. Coloured glass and arbitrary turrets have been stuck onto concrete tower blocks. For residential estates and malls, sometimes Dubai risks co-opting the rest of the world for its architectural reference points. This is unnecessary with the thriving socio-economic diversity of the emirate, the unique climatic and environmental conditions and its desire for a recognizable global identity. Dubai is now abundantly ready to set trends in architecture by spearheading its own original design model.
Best of Dubai
31
Best of Dubai
Legacy of a Visionary “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.” His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990)
Images courtesy of Media Prima
This thinking reflected His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s concern that Dubai's oil would someday run out in a decade or two. Thus, he worked to build an economy in Dubai that could survive the end of Dubai's oil boom - Tourism.
When Dubai’s commercial artery, Creek, was silting up and impacting the economic activity, the people turned to Sheikh Rashid to find a solution (Dubai Municipality) Left: Sheikh Rashid and two of his four sons, Sheikh Hamdan (left) and Sheikh Mohammed (right)
His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990) was the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai from 1979 until his death in 1990. His Prime Ministerial predecessor and successor was his son, His Highness late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was the prime minister of United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 1979 and from October 7, 1990 up until his sudden demise on January 4, 2006. Known and acknowledged as one of the most successful rulers in the Middle East, Sheikh Rashid was responsible for the transformation of Dubai into a modern port city and commercial hub.
Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Rashid found himself engaged in efforts on two levels, both in Dubai and on a pan-Truicial States basis. (Khaleej Times)
32
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
33
The Early Years His Highness Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai from 1958 - 1990, was the eighth ruler from the Al Maktoum family. Well-loved and greatly respected by the residents of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid ruled the Emirate with compassion and with a clear vision of what was required in order to transform Dubai into a modern city. Driven by this vision, Rashid accomplished what many believed to be impossible. As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, he involved himself at an early age in the politics of the Emirate. He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen intently to each man's dilemma or opinion. Eager to comprehend the minutiae of governing a state, he would spend long hours questioning his parents about the events of the day. As a child, he received the finest education available in the region at the time. He attended the Al Ahmadiyah School, and his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic and Arithmetic. Although he was a good student, the true focus of his enthusiasm was reserved for falconry and hunting. "From an early age, he was an excellent shot with the rifle and, while his mother took a leading role in his upbringing, falconry was a passion which brought together Sheikh Saeed and Sheikh Rashid, father and son, throughout their lives." These hunting expeditions, that were taken twice a year, led the Ruler and his hunting entourage to Iran and later, on occasion, to Pakistan. They provided Sheikh Rashid with brief, welcome respites from the responsibilities of his position. Houbara, gazelle, rabbit, and grouse were the game of choice. Sheikh Rashid's hand's-on approach called for a disciplined daily schedule. Twice daily he would tour Dubai to see for himself how the projects were progressing. Sheikh Rashid was never satisfied with a simple explanation; instead he wanted to have a detailed understanding of every project undertaken in Dubai. Furthermore, these inspections provided him with the opportunity to meet with the man on the street. "After returning home in the evening, it was time to take on more official business in the traditional evening Majlis, an occasion where the Ruler gave his people the opportunity to meet him and share problems or grievances. This duty was one which Sheikh Rashid took very seriously." Sheikh Rashid was famed and admired for his patience on these occasions; he thoughtfully considered each man's complaint or opinion, ensuring that proper assistance was given to each individual. The Majlis, a mix of nationals, also provided a vibrant stage for debate. Surrounded by men whose opinions he valued, projects were dissected, moulded together, and often implemented by members of the Majlis.
Best of Dubai
Legacy of a Visionary “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.” His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990)
Images courtesy of Media Prima
This thinking reflected His Highness late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s concern that Dubai's oil would someday run out in a decade or two. Thus, he worked to build an economy in Dubai that could survive the end of Dubai's oil boom - Tourism.
When Dubai’s commercial artery, Creek, was silting up and impacting the economic activity, the people turned to Sheikh Rashid to find a solution (Dubai Municipality) Left: Sheikh Rashid and two of his four sons, Sheikh Hamdan (left) and Sheikh Mohammed (right)
His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1912 - October 7, 1990) was the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai from 1979 until his death in 1990. His Prime Ministerial predecessor and successor was his son, His Highness late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was the prime minister of United Arab Emirates from 1971 to 1979 and from October 7, 1990 up until his sudden demise on January 4, 2006. Known and acknowledged as one of the most successful rulers in the Middle East, Sheikh Rashid was responsible for the transformation of Dubai into a modern port city and commercial hub.
Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Rashid found himself engaged in efforts on two levels, both in Dubai and on a pan-Truicial States basis. (Khaleej Times)
32
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
33
The Early Years His Highness Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai from 1958 - 1990, was the eighth ruler from the Al Maktoum family. Well-loved and greatly respected by the residents of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid ruled the Emirate with compassion and with a clear vision of what was required in order to transform Dubai into a modern city. Driven by this vision, Rashid accomplished what many believed to be impossible. As the first-born son of Sheikh Saeed, he involved himself at an early age in the politics of the Emirate. He frequently attended his father's Majlis; ever curious, he would listen intently to each man's dilemma or opinion. Eager to comprehend the minutiae of governing a state, he would spend long hours questioning his parents about the events of the day. As a child, he received the finest education available in the region at the time. He attended the Al Ahmadiyah School, and his studies included Islamic studies, Arabic and Arithmetic. Although he was a good student, the true focus of his enthusiasm was reserved for falconry and hunting. "From an early age, he was an excellent shot with the rifle and, while his mother took a leading role in his upbringing, falconry was a passion which brought together Sheikh Saeed and Sheikh Rashid, father and son, throughout their lives." These hunting expeditions, that were taken twice a year, led the Ruler and his hunting entourage to Iran and later, on occasion, to Pakistan. They provided Sheikh Rashid with brief, welcome respites from the responsibilities of his position. Houbara, gazelle, rabbit, and grouse were the game of choice. Sheikh Rashid's hand's-on approach called for a disciplined daily schedule. Twice daily he would tour Dubai to see for himself how the projects were progressing. Sheikh Rashid was never satisfied with a simple explanation; instead he wanted to have a detailed understanding of every project undertaken in Dubai. Furthermore, these inspections provided him with the opportunity to meet with the man on the street. "After returning home in the evening, it was time to take on more official business in the traditional evening Majlis, an occasion where the Ruler gave his people the opportunity to meet him and share problems or grievances. This duty was one which Sheikh Rashid took very seriously." Sheikh Rashid was famed and admired for his patience on these occasions; he thoughtfully considered each man's complaint or opinion, ensuring that proper assistance was given to each individual. The Majlis, a mix of nationals, also provided a vibrant stage for debate. Surrounded by men whose opinions he valued, projects were dissected, moulded together, and often implemented by members of the Majlis.
history of the UAE. With an eye on less affluent citizens, Sheikh Maktoum spearheaded a programme to construct thousands of new homes in projects throughout the United Emirates. He and his brothers were also responsible for transforming Dubai into one of the most impressive cities in the world. Development Between 1990 and 2006, Sheikh Maktoum's leadership led to nationwide development. In Dubai, this has resulted in major infrastructure projects, including internationally renowned sporting facilities, an impressive road network, modern parks and gardens, and public libraries. Dubai International Airport has also been expanded and improved to reflect the Emirates’ status as the regional aviation hub. His love of horses showed in his introduction of international horse racing to the Arab world. He and his brothers ran the highly successful Godolphin stables and Sheikh Maktoum was the most successful horse owner in Europe in 1997. He played a major role in raising the standard of international racing.
Sheikh Rashid and delegates on a visit to Dubai Port Services (Khaleej Times) Above: Sheikh Rashid and his party on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington. Inset: Visiting the United Nations in New York (Dubai Petroleum Company) Right: Sheikh Rashid visiting a rig. Excitement grew in Dubai as news spread that the government was about to announce the discovery of commercial oil deposits. (Simon Nicolas)
Determined in his unfaltering belief that a modernised Dubai could be achieved, Sheikh Rashid initiated numerous remarkable developments in his city-state. Project Inc. Projects viewed as impossible by many members of society (including foreign nationals) were seen as challenges by the Ruler. Examples of such projects included the Al Maktoum Hospital, the first modern hospital in what was then the Trucial States; the Al Maktoum Bridge, which spanned the Creek, joining Dubai with Deira and eliminating the long trip around the head of the Creek; and the Dubai Airport, which bore immediate reward as demand for seats grew much faster than anticipated. "Both these projects, the airport and the bridge, showed clearly that Dubai’s infrastructure planning was hardly ever just a response to the immediate needs of the community: it was clearly linked to the ambitious ideas about the future development of Dubai." With his passing away on October 7, 1990, Sheikh Rashid left behind a legacy visible in the town planning of Dubai. News of his death travelled far and wide. Heads of States throughout the world sent their condolences. Most extraordinary, however, was the reaction across the Atlantic in New York, at the United Nations. The General Assembly was debating a motion on Palestine when invited to mark the passing of Dubai's leader. Both General Assembly and Security Council observed a minute's silence, after which representatives of Kuwait, Poland and the US paid tribute to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Though scarcely a whisper marked his birth in 1912, in a place which few outsiders at the time had even heard of,
Sheikh Rashid had laboured hard to develop Dubai and later the United Arab Emirates into a lasting and sustainable entity. Seventy-eight years later, his death drew the world community to its feet in the UN General Assembly, a remarkable tribute to a remarkable man and his many achievements. A legacy he left to his sons, who continue to follow in their father’s footsteps. A Vision Accomplished Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum recognised that Dubai had the potential to become a great city. When he became the Ruler of Dubai in 1958, Dubai's infrastructure was developing to accommodate its rapidly growing population. It was evident that basic services needed to be established and existing services improved upon, but Sheikh Rashid never settled for just meeting needs when he could plan for the future. In 1959, work began on dredging the creek, which had silted up rapidly during the 1950s, limiting the number of seagoing vessels that could enter it. As the creek was deepened, the excavated rock and soil was deposited on low laying land along its shores, this reclaimed land was sold to pay for the project. By the end of 1960, the creek project was completed and shipping lines began using Dubai as their main port in the Gulf. Demand dictated the need for new wharfs, warehouses and port facilities. In 1967, construction began on a deep-water harbour. Originally designed for four berths, the completed harbour had fifteen and eventually expanded to thirty-five. Built to service the largest ships, Port Rashid officially opened on 5 October 1972. A second port was later built at Jebel Ali, just south of the city.
34
Best of Dubai
An imposing harbour with sixty-seven berths made it the world's largest manmade port at the time. Built around the port, the Jebel Ali Free Zone was founded in 1985. The airfield that Sheikh Rashid ordered in 1959 opened in 1961 it proved very popular with airlines seeking landing rights. As more companies established bases in Dubai and the population grew, the airfield expanded. In 1985, Dubai's airport became the home base for the newly founded Emirates Airline. The mastermind of numerous projects, Sheikh Rashid was steadfast in his belief that anything is possible. Dubai's transformation is the result of massive effort driven by the vision of its rulers. Sheikh Rashid’s decades The achievements of the UAE in the past three decades are evidence of the abilities of the people who worked selflessly alongside the first UAE President, His Highness Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In May 1981, Sheikh Rashid fell ill and the onus fell firmly on his four sons. Although he recovered, he still needed much rest, leaving the practical management of day-to-day affairs to Sheikh Maktoum, who was ably supported by his brothers, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Ahmed. The three brothers formed an effective leadership team that maintained and expanded their father's legacy. Following the death of Sheikh Rashid in November 1990, Sheikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, positions he held until he passed away in January 2006. Sheikh Maktoum's return as Prime Minister coincided with one of the most astonishing bursts of national development in the thirty-year
Best of Dubai
35
Modern technology diversified Dubai has been quick to adapt to the introduction of e-commerce and the rapid technological development of recent years. The establishment of Dubai Internet City, in October 2000, and Dubai Media City, in January 2001, has ensured that the majority of the world’s major business players have a presence in Dubai. Both these establishments offer their clients state-of-the-art infrastructure and many business incentives. Together with Dubai Knowledge Village they make up the Dubai Technology, ECommerce and Media Free Zone, a central feature of the plans for Dubai’s future. Information technology has not only been incorporated into Dubai’s trade and industry, but also into its education system and its government. The e-government project is another vital part of the Al Maktoum family’s plans for the future. Dubai has also moved into the world of international finance, with the opening, in February 2002, of the Dubai International Financial Centre, which Sheikh Mohammed announced would “be a bridge for financial services between our region and the inter-national markets 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.” He added, “this centre will provide an ideal business environment based on a highly developed infrastructure, and control regula-tions and laws that rival the latest and most competent regulations and laws worldwide.”
Progress Before 1990, Dubai International Airport was always busy, but the majority of passengers were in transit. Now, millions of them each year stay in Dubai for their holidays, and the airport is even busier. In 2001 the state-ofthe-art Sheikh Rashid Terminal opened to cater for the increase in passengers. The Maktoum brothers have introduced many initiatives to attract more visitors to Dubai, the most famous of which is the Dubai Shopping Festival – an annual monthlong event during which the majority of Dubai’s stores offer considerable discounts on their goods. One of the most popular features of the Shopping Festival is the Global Village, where various countries take the opportunity to showcase their heritage through exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, clothing, food, music and dance. Each country has its own pavilion, and every evening throughout the Shopping Festival, crowds flock to the Village to enjoy this perfect example of Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature. In recent years, Dubai has witnessed the development of some of the world’s most well-appointed and architecturally accomplished hotels. On a man-made island just off the shore of Jumeirah, the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab, stands. This building, built to resemble the sail of a traditional Arabian dhow, is the centrepiece of Dubai’s tourism industry, offering the most luxurious accommodation imaginable. The most recent Palm Island and The World projects prove that the Eighth Wonder of the World is indeed in Dubai. Little wonder, then, that the projects’ builders say, “The Palm puts Dubai on the Map, but the World puts the map on Dubai.” Achievement Despite the recent success that Dubai has enjoyed in this area, the Maktoum brothers have shown that they share their father’s trait of striving for continual improvement by stating their aim to increase the number of tourists visiting Dubai annually from twenty-five million in 2005 to over fifty million by the year 2010. Innovative projects such as Burj Dubai, Dubai Festival City, International City, Dubai Waterfront and Dubailand - plans that combine entertainment, dining, shopping, marinas, hotels, offices and residential apartments – are all manifestations of the Maktoum families’ commitment to bring to fruition the vision of the founding father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The discovery of oil certainly helped, but it is His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s family’s commitment and intelligent use of resources that has modernised Dubai. The tale of Dubai is a tale of the wisdom of its Rulers.
history of the UAE. With an eye on less affluent citizens, Sheikh Maktoum spearheaded a programme to construct thousands of new homes in projects throughout the United Emirates. He and his brothers were also responsible for transforming Dubai into one of the most impressive cities in the world. Development Between 1990 and 2006, Sheikh Maktoum's leadership led to nationwide development. In Dubai, this has resulted in major infrastructure projects, including internationally renowned sporting facilities, an impressive road network, modern parks and gardens, and public libraries. Dubai International Airport has also been expanded and improved to reflect the Emirates’ status as the regional aviation hub. His love of horses showed in his introduction of international horse racing to the Arab world. He and his brothers ran the highly successful Godolphin stables and Sheikh Maktoum was the most successful horse owner in Europe in 1997. He played a major role in raising the standard of international racing.
Sheikh Rashid and delegates on a visit to Dubai Port Services (Khaleej Times) Above: Sheikh Rashid and his party on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington. Inset: Visiting the United Nations in New York (Dubai Petroleum Company) Right: Sheikh Rashid visiting a rig. Excitement grew in Dubai as news spread that the government was about to announce the discovery of commercial oil deposits. (Simon Nicolas)
Determined in his unfaltering belief that a modernised Dubai could be achieved, Sheikh Rashid initiated numerous remarkable developments in his city-state. Project Inc. Projects viewed as impossible by many members of society (including foreign nationals) were seen as challenges by the Ruler. Examples of such projects included the Al Maktoum Hospital, the first modern hospital in what was then the Trucial States; the Al Maktoum Bridge, which spanned the Creek, joining Dubai with Deira and eliminating the long trip around the head of the Creek; and the Dubai Airport, which bore immediate reward as demand for seats grew much faster than anticipated. "Both these projects, the airport and the bridge, showed clearly that Dubai’s infrastructure planning was hardly ever just a response to the immediate needs of the community: it was clearly linked to the ambitious ideas about the future development of Dubai." With his passing away on October 7, 1990, Sheikh Rashid left behind a legacy visible in the town planning of Dubai. News of his death travelled far and wide. Heads of States throughout the world sent their condolences. Most extraordinary, however, was the reaction across the Atlantic in New York, at the United Nations. The General Assembly was debating a motion on Palestine when invited to mark the passing of Dubai's leader. Both General Assembly and Security Council observed a minute's silence, after which representatives of Kuwait, Poland and the US paid tribute to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Though scarcely a whisper marked his birth in 1912, in a place which few outsiders at the time had even heard of,
Sheikh Rashid had laboured hard to develop Dubai and later the United Arab Emirates into a lasting and sustainable entity. Seventy-eight years later, his death drew the world community to its feet in the UN General Assembly, a remarkable tribute to a remarkable man and his many achievements. A legacy he left to his sons, who continue to follow in their father’s footsteps. A Vision Accomplished Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum recognised that Dubai had the potential to become a great city. When he became the Ruler of Dubai in 1958, Dubai's infrastructure was developing to accommodate its rapidly growing population. It was evident that basic services needed to be established and existing services improved upon, but Sheikh Rashid never settled for just meeting needs when he could plan for the future. In 1959, work began on dredging the creek, which had silted up rapidly during the 1950s, limiting the number of seagoing vessels that could enter it. As the creek was deepened, the excavated rock and soil was deposited on low laying land along its shores, this reclaimed land was sold to pay for the project. By the end of 1960, the creek project was completed and shipping lines began using Dubai as their main port in the Gulf. Demand dictated the need for new wharfs, warehouses and port facilities. In 1967, construction began on a deep-water harbour. Originally designed for four berths, the completed harbour had fifteen and eventually expanded to thirty-five. Built to service the largest ships, Port Rashid officially opened on 5 October 1972. A second port was later built at Jebel Ali, just south of the city.
34
Best of Dubai
An imposing harbour with sixty-seven berths made it the world's largest manmade port at the time. Built around the port, the Jebel Ali Free Zone was founded in 1985. The airfield that Sheikh Rashid ordered in 1959 opened in 1961 it proved very popular with airlines seeking landing rights. As more companies established bases in Dubai and the population grew, the airfield expanded. In 1985, Dubai's airport became the home base for the newly founded Emirates Airline. The mastermind of numerous projects, Sheikh Rashid was steadfast in his belief that anything is possible. Dubai's transformation is the result of massive effort driven by the vision of its rulers. Sheikh Rashid’s decades The achievements of the UAE in the past three decades are evidence of the abilities of the people who worked selflessly alongside the first UAE President, His Highness Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In May 1981, Sheikh Rashid fell ill and the onus fell firmly on his four sons. Although he recovered, he still needed much rest, leaving the practical management of day-to-day affairs to Sheikh Maktoum, who was ably supported by his brothers, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Ahmed. The three brothers formed an effective leadership team that maintained and expanded their father's legacy. Following the death of Sheikh Rashid in November 1990, Sheikh Maktoum became Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, positions he held until he passed away in January 2006. Sheikh Maktoum's return as Prime Minister coincided with one of the most astonishing bursts of national development in the thirty-year
Best of Dubai
35
Modern technology diversified Dubai has been quick to adapt to the introduction of e-commerce and the rapid technological development of recent years. The establishment of Dubai Internet City, in October 2000, and Dubai Media City, in January 2001, has ensured that the majority of the world’s major business players have a presence in Dubai. Both these establishments offer their clients state-of-the-art infrastructure and many business incentives. Together with Dubai Knowledge Village they make up the Dubai Technology, ECommerce and Media Free Zone, a central feature of the plans for Dubai’s future. Information technology has not only been incorporated into Dubai’s trade and industry, but also into its education system and its government. The e-government project is another vital part of the Al Maktoum family’s plans for the future. Dubai has also moved into the world of international finance, with the opening, in February 2002, of the Dubai International Financial Centre, which Sheikh Mohammed announced would “be a bridge for financial services between our region and the inter-national markets 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.” He added, “this centre will provide an ideal business environment based on a highly developed infrastructure, and control regula-tions and laws that rival the latest and most competent regulations and laws worldwide.”
Progress Before 1990, Dubai International Airport was always busy, but the majority of passengers were in transit. Now, millions of them each year stay in Dubai for their holidays, and the airport is even busier. In 2001 the state-ofthe-art Sheikh Rashid Terminal opened to cater for the increase in passengers. The Maktoum brothers have introduced many initiatives to attract more visitors to Dubai, the most famous of which is the Dubai Shopping Festival – an annual monthlong event during which the majority of Dubai’s stores offer considerable discounts on their goods. One of the most popular features of the Shopping Festival is the Global Village, where various countries take the opportunity to showcase their heritage through exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, clothing, food, music and dance. Each country has its own pavilion, and every evening throughout the Shopping Festival, crowds flock to the Village to enjoy this perfect example of Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature. In recent years, Dubai has witnessed the development of some of the world’s most well-appointed and architecturally accomplished hotels. On a man-made island just off the shore of Jumeirah, the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab, stands. This building, built to resemble the sail of a traditional Arabian dhow, is the centrepiece of Dubai’s tourism industry, offering the most luxurious accommodation imaginable. The most recent Palm Island and The World projects prove that the Eighth Wonder of the World is indeed in Dubai. Little wonder, then, that the projects’ builders say, “The Palm puts Dubai on the Map, but the World puts the map on Dubai.” Achievement Despite the recent success that Dubai has enjoyed in this area, the Maktoum brothers have shown that they share their father’s trait of striving for continual improvement by stating their aim to increase the number of tourists visiting Dubai annually from twenty-five million in 2005 to over fifty million by the year 2010. Innovative projects such as Burj Dubai, Dubai Festival City, International City, Dubai Waterfront and Dubailand - plans that combine entertainment, dining, shopping, marinas, hotels, offices and residential apartments – are all manifestations of the Maktoum families’ commitment to bring to fruition the vision of the founding father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The discovery of oil certainly helped, but it is His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s family’s commitment and intelligent use of resources that has modernised Dubai. The tale of Dubai is a tale of the wisdom of its Rulers.
Best of Dubai
Standing Tall TECOM Investments is Dubai's state-of-the-art free zone for business globalisation, a distinction it has earned for itself through the advanced infrastructure and supportive red tape free environment offered to its associates.
Abdullatif Al Mulla CEO - TECOM Investments
Dubai Media City
36
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
37
Consisting of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Village, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Dubai Studio City, e-Hosting Datafort, ITEP and TAMKEEN , TECOM Investments provides a range of services and opportunities for international corporations and companies to operate successfully from the Middle East. An initiative born out of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the TECOM Investments project began in 2000 as part of an ambitious and visionary ten-year plan. The aim was to revolutionise and diversify the emirate's booming economy, which was previously reliant on the oil industry. The concept stands forth as a successful implementation of cluster economies as propounded by Michael Porter through his theories. This is a familiar business model in the Arab world where industries such as gold, textiles, spices and electronics have all naturally clustered into 'souks'. The campus-style environments of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village provide the ultimate operations and networking facilities. Equipment vendors are next door to systems integrators for convenient coordination, while the close proximity of Dubai Media City encourages interaction between advertising agencies and creative free-lancers. Specialist training for companies and general academia is also available in Dubai Knowledge village. The incentives for companies entering TECOM Investments' free zone are numerous. From support services provided by its internal departments, sister companies and subsidiaries, businesses are offered the ultimate efficiency, convenience and flexibility. In fact, TECOM is now exporting its expertise in developing and managing knowledge-industry business clusters and is holding discussions with several cities in Asia and Europe to establish business parks there. It has also tied up with Dubai Investment Group (DIG), its sister company in the Dubai Holding group to make strategic telecom acquisitions. Today, this unique free zone is the ultimate success story. Home to hundreds of global companies, it is recognised internationally as a world-leading business climate, serving information and communication technology, (ITC) media, education, biotechnology and energy.
Interview with TECOM Investments CEO, Abdullatif Al Mulla: With interests ranging from technology clusters to e-education, what is the common thread that links all of these entities together? What other areas do you want to conquer? TECOM clusters are united by one goal the development of Dubai's knowledgebased economy. TECOM's first cluster, Dubai Internet City, was established in October 2000, to develop the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village were set up subsequently to develop the media and education sectors respectively. Later we launched initiatives targeted at niche industries. International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) was focused on printing and publishing and Dubai Studio City was dedicated to film, broadcast and music production. Business process outsourcing (BPO) was another area we identified as potentially high-growth, and therefore we launched Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ). Later, we announced the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) to develop the knowledgeintensive biotechnology sector. TECOM is constantly exploring new opportunities in knowledge-based sectors where we can add value. What is your vision for your group in 10 years' time? How do you think telecommunications will transform Dubai and what role do you think TECOM will have played in this development? Over the past five years, TECOM has acquired considerable expertise in setting up and managing business campuses for knowledge based industries and we are now looking to share this expertise with other countries. TECOM is in talks with governments of countries in Asia and Europe to set up IT and media business campuses in cities with high growth potential. This will create a network of business campuses, which will create tremendous synergies and promote growth both in Dubai and the regions they are located in. Our vision for TECOM in the next 10 years is to be a leading player in the global knowledge-based economy. Telecommunications is an integral part of TECOM's strategy to go international. We recently acquired stakes in Maltacom and Tunisie Telecom. We have also invested in Interoute, the owner and operator of Europe's largest and most-advanced voice and data network and Axiom Telecom, the largest distributor and retailer of wireless products in the region.
Best of Dubai
Standing Tall TECOM Investments is Dubai's state-of-the-art free zone for business globalisation, a distinction it has earned for itself through the advanced infrastructure and supportive red tape free environment offered to its associates.
Abdullatif Al Mulla CEO - TECOM Investments
Dubai Media City
36
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
37
Consisting of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Village, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Dubai Studio City, e-Hosting Datafort, ITEP and TAMKEEN , TECOM Investments provides a range of services and opportunities for international corporations and companies to operate successfully from the Middle East. An initiative born out of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the TECOM Investments project began in 2000 as part of an ambitious and visionary ten-year plan. The aim was to revolutionise and diversify the emirate's booming economy, which was previously reliant on the oil industry. The concept stands forth as a successful implementation of cluster economies as propounded by Michael Porter through his theories. This is a familiar business model in the Arab world where industries such as gold, textiles, spices and electronics have all naturally clustered into 'souks'. The campus-style environments of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village provide the ultimate operations and networking facilities. Equipment vendors are next door to systems integrators for convenient coordination, while the close proximity of Dubai Media City encourages interaction between advertising agencies and creative free-lancers. Specialist training for companies and general academia is also available in Dubai Knowledge village. The incentives for companies entering TECOM Investments' free zone are numerous. From support services provided by its internal departments, sister companies and subsidiaries, businesses are offered the ultimate efficiency, convenience and flexibility. In fact, TECOM is now exporting its expertise in developing and managing knowledge-industry business clusters and is holding discussions with several cities in Asia and Europe to establish business parks there. It has also tied up with Dubai Investment Group (DIG), its sister company in the Dubai Holding group to make strategic telecom acquisitions. Today, this unique free zone is the ultimate success story. Home to hundreds of global companies, it is recognised internationally as a world-leading business climate, serving information and communication technology, (ITC) media, education, biotechnology and energy.
Interview with TECOM Investments CEO, Abdullatif Al Mulla: With interests ranging from technology clusters to e-education, what is the common thread that links all of these entities together? What other areas do you want to conquer? TECOM clusters are united by one goal the development of Dubai's knowledgebased economy. TECOM's first cluster, Dubai Internet City, was established in October 2000, to develop the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village were set up subsequently to develop the media and education sectors respectively. Later we launched initiatives targeted at niche industries. International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) was focused on printing and publishing and Dubai Studio City was dedicated to film, broadcast and music production. Business process outsourcing (BPO) was another area we identified as potentially high-growth, and therefore we launched Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ). Later, we announced the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) to develop the knowledgeintensive biotechnology sector. TECOM is constantly exploring new opportunities in knowledge-based sectors where we can add value. What is your vision for your group in 10 years' time? How do you think telecommunications will transform Dubai and what role do you think TECOM will have played in this development? Over the past five years, TECOM has acquired considerable expertise in setting up and managing business campuses for knowledge based industries and we are now looking to share this expertise with other countries. TECOM is in talks with governments of countries in Asia and Europe to set up IT and media business campuses in cities with high growth potential. This will create a network of business campuses, which will create tremendous synergies and promote growth both in Dubai and the regions they are located in. Our vision for TECOM in the next 10 years is to be a leading player in the global knowledge-based economy. Telecommunications is an integral part of TECOM's strategy to go international. We recently acquired stakes in Maltacom and Tunisie Telecom. We have also invested in Interoute, the owner and operator of Europe's largest and most-advanced voice and data network and Axiom Telecom, the largest distributor and retailer of wireless products in the region.
Dubai Studio City
We seek to contribute to the economic development of the regions we are investing in, which in the long run will contribute to the success of our initiatives.
Dubai Internet City
DuBiotech Headquarters
What other geographic markets do you wish to enter, now that TECOM already has a presence in Malta, Tunisia, and Europe? Our telecom investment strategy is global with a special focus on the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. What are the critical components of creating a successful cluster development? Do you think that this model can be successfully implemented in every country? The single-most critical factor behind the success of a planned cluster is the environment and infrastructure it provides. TECOM clusters have been successful because they have provided an exceptional hard and soft infrastructure as well as a host of financial incentives, and business-enabling and business development services. Our objective is to help companies cut down their operational hassles so that they can concentrate on their core business. In addition, we provide them several opportunities for business development. The success of this model depends on the support and commitment of key stake-holders, mainly the government. Dubai's government has shown exceptional vision and commitment in supporting TECOM's knowledgebased clusters.
Dubai Knowledge Village
Locating in a cluster gives companies greater opportunities to establish human relationships with partners, suppliers and customers critical to the development of business. So, our aim to be a technology leader does not conflict with our need to build a community of knowledgebased companies. Demand for space in the Media and Internet Cities still exceeds supply. What provisions have you made for further expansion? Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are poised for massive expansion with a number of private investors developing buildings on Free Zone land. About 27 buildings are expected to be built in the next five years. This expansion will create the capacity for the growth of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City into a richer and even more vibrant knowledge industry hub. What kind of businesses are you seeking for prime tenancy of Studio City? From where do most of them originate? Dubai Studio City is a cluster for film, broadcast and music production companies across the world. We are particularly targeting the Hollywood and Bollywood film industries, which have being showing increasing interest in what Dubai Studio City has to offer. In the immediate term, we will be catering to the demand from Dubai Media City's broadcasting companies which are looking for the infrastructure to expand. Ultimately, Dubai Studio City aims to build a large cluster of companies from across the industry value-chain. These include production companies, support service providers offering production and post-production facilities, animation studios and services like
What impact will the convergence of communications technologies have on the need for businesses to be located in physical proximity? How will you manage the balancing act of being a technology leader while keeping the real estate projects fully occupied? The convergence of communication technologies has revolutionised the way corporations do business and it has facilitated tremendous efficiencies. But you cannot limit the value of human interaction in conducting business.
38
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
39
dubbing, make-up, costume designing, stage designing and building, casting, telnet agencies as well as telecine and lab facilities. Your stated aim in supporting e-TQM is to promote quality management. What does that mean for you? Total quality management is about quality being the guiding principle of everything that we do. It is a tool which enables all members of our team to become involved in the continuous improvement of our services. It is also about a commitment to standards, systems and processes that help us achieve high customer satisfaction. What is TECOM's biggest strength? TECOM's biggest strength is its people. They are the ones responsible for our achievements and our continued success. And therefore, we believe that by developing our people we can develop our company. If there was one thing in your career you would like to change or do better, what would it be? I am striving to work closer with my team leaders to shift the mindset of employees so that we can raise their efficiency, productivity and effectiveness to meet international benchmarks rather than just local or regional. TECOM has always demonstrated its leadership in raising standards to meet international bench-marks and we will continue to do so. Tel.: +9714 391 1111 www.tecom.ae
Dubai Studio City
We seek to contribute to the economic development of the regions we are investing in, which in the long run will contribute to the success of our initiatives.
Dubai Internet City
DuBiotech Headquarters
What other geographic markets do you wish to enter, now that TECOM already has a presence in Malta, Tunisia, and Europe? Our telecom investment strategy is global with a special focus on the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. What are the critical components of creating a successful cluster development? Do you think that this model can be successfully implemented in every country? The single-most critical factor behind the success of a planned cluster is the environment and infrastructure it provides. TECOM clusters have been successful because they have provided an exceptional hard and soft infrastructure as well as a host of financial incentives, and business-enabling and business development services. Our objective is to help companies cut down their operational hassles so that they can concentrate on their core business. In addition, we provide them several opportunities for business development. The success of this model depends on the support and commitment of key stake-holders, mainly the government. Dubai's government has shown exceptional vision and commitment in supporting TECOM's knowledgebased clusters.
Dubai Knowledge Village
Locating in a cluster gives companies greater opportunities to establish human relationships with partners, suppliers and customers critical to the development of business. So, our aim to be a technology leader does not conflict with our need to build a community of knowledgebased companies. Demand for space in the Media and Internet Cities still exceeds supply. What provisions have you made for further expansion? Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are poised for massive expansion with a number of private investors developing buildings on Free Zone land. About 27 buildings are expected to be built in the next five years. This expansion will create the capacity for the growth of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City into a richer and even more vibrant knowledge industry hub. What kind of businesses are you seeking for prime tenancy of Studio City? From where do most of them originate? Dubai Studio City is a cluster for film, broadcast and music production companies across the world. We are particularly targeting the Hollywood and Bollywood film industries, which have being showing increasing interest in what Dubai Studio City has to offer. In the immediate term, we will be catering to the demand from Dubai Media City's broadcasting companies which are looking for the infrastructure to expand. Ultimately, Dubai Studio City aims to build a large cluster of companies from across the industry value-chain. These include production companies, support service providers offering production and post-production facilities, animation studios and services like
What impact will the convergence of communications technologies have on the need for businesses to be located in physical proximity? How will you manage the balancing act of being a technology leader while keeping the real estate projects fully occupied? The convergence of communication technologies has revolutionised the way corporations do business and it has facilitated tremendous efficiencies. But you cannot limit the value of human interaction in conducting business.
38
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
39
dubbing, make-up, costume designing, stage designing and building, casting, telnet agencies as well as telecine and lab facilities. Your stated aim in supporting e-TQM is to promote quality management. What does that mean for you? Total quality management is about quality being the guiding principle of everything that we do. It is a tool which enables all members of our team to become involved in the continuous improvement of our services. It is also about a commitment to standards, systems and processes that help us achieve high customer satisfaction. What is TECOM's biggest strength? TECOM's biggest strength is its people. They are the ones responsible for our achievements and our continued success. And therefore, we believe that by developing our people we can develop our company. If there was one thing in your career you would like to change or do better, what would it be? I am striving to work closer with my team leaders to shift the mindset of employees so that we can raise their efficiency, productivity and effectiveness to meet international benchmarks rather than just local or regional. TECOM has always demonstrated its leadership in raising standards to meet international bench-marks and we will continue to do so. Tel.: +9714 391 1111 www.tecom.ae
Best of Dubai
Dubai Police.qxp
12/28/2006
11:01 AM
Page 1
Protect and Serve Starting its days as a one-station force with just 29 members, the Dubai Police have grown considerably over the last 50 years to become a 15,000 strong organization with a reputation for safety and security that is secondto-none in the Gulf region.
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police at the opening of Dubai Police Headquarters in 2006
The Dubai Police force was established in January 1956 when the civil guards employed to protect souqs were promoted to the regular force following an order from the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. His son, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was appointed as the first chief of police. Gradually a comprehensive agenda was developed for the local population to acquire the necessary skills for taking charge of their own force. This dream was realized in 1975 with the appointment of Colonel Abdullah Khalfan Abulhoul as director of the Dubai Police and Colonel Mohammad Saeed Al Gaith as his deputy. In 1980, Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim took over as chief
of the Dubai Police, a position he still holds to this day. Having joined the force as a 17-yearold Cadet Officer, Lieutenant-General Khalfan quickly rose up the ranks to assume complete authority while still only 28. Despite his relative youth, the new chief of police quickly set about bringing the organization into the modern world with his first project the establishment of a Crime Lab. “In those days there were no police labs,” he said in an interview to mark 50 years of the Dubai Police. “The statement would be recorded and the matter would either be settled or disputed in a haphazard manner.” From the concept of the Crime Lab, the Dubai Police force was the first Arab police force to apply DNA testing to criminal investigations, the use of
40
Best of Dubai
electronic finger printing and implementation of the paperless department concept. Dubai Police were also among the first in the Gulf to utilize the Automatic Vehicle Locator using Loran C signals and the first to replace this system with satellite and GPS. Under his guidance and the unflinching support of the Leadership, the Dubai Police Force is a highly efficient and modern arm of government, with a humane face. LieutenantGeneral Khalfan hasn’t forgotten his community responsibilities. “Community police means a police that is acceptable amongst society, its word reaches people and gets a response from them,” he said. “I believe we cannot be a community police unless we share with the people their worries, tragedies and happiness.” Under the guidance of a leader who considers policing not just about arresting criminals, but also providing exceptional levels of public service, it is no wonder the Dubai Police have recorded a community satisfaction rating of 85 per cent, an enormous achievement considering the diverse nature of the Dubai population. It is precisely this dedication to community that LieutenantGeneral Khalfan believes will maintain Dubai as one of the safest places on the globe to live and work. Despite the political geosensitivities of the region overall, the emirate is a haven of safety and prosperity. “If we succeed in strongly establishing the concept of community police we will be able to discover more crimes, face the dangers of terrorism and large crimes because the public is willing to cooperate with the police”, he concludes.
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police
Best of Dubai
41
Tel.: +9714 269 2222 www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
Best of Dubai
Dubai Police.qxp
12/28/2006
11:01 AM
Page 1
Protect and Serve Starting its days as a one-station force with just 29 members, the Dubai Police have grown considerably over the last 50 years to become a 15,000 strong organization with a reputation for safety and security that is secondto-none in the Gulf region.
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police at the opening of Dubai Police Headquarters in 2006
The Dubai Police force was established in January 1956 when the civil guards employed to protect souqs were promoted to the regular force following an order from the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. His son, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was appointed as the first chief of police. Gradually a comprehensive agenda was developed for the local population to acquire the necessary skills for taking charge of their own force. This dream was realized in 1975 with the appointment of Colonel Abdullah Khalfan Abulhoul as director of the Dubai Police and Colonel Mohammad Saeed Al Gaith as his deputy. In 1980, Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim took over as chief
of the Dubai Police, a position he still holds to this day. Having joined the force as a 17-yearold Cadet Officer, Lieutenant-General Khalfan quickly rose up the ranks to assume complete authority while still only 28. Despite his relative youth, the new chief of police quickly set about bringing the organization into the modern world with his first project the establishment of a Crime Lab. “In those days there were no police labs,” he said in an interview to mark 50 years of the Dubai Police. “The statement would be recorded and the matter would either be settled or disputed in a haphazard manner.” From the concept of the Crime Lab, the Dubai Police force was the first Arab police force to apply DNA testing to criminal investigations, the use of
40
Best of Dubai
electronic finger printing and implementation of the paperless department concept. Dubai Police were also among the first in the Gulf to utilize the Automatic Vehicle Locator using Loran C signals and the first to replace this system with satellite and GPS. Under his guidance and the unflinching support of the Leadership, the Dubai Police Force is a highly efficient and modern arm of government, with a humane face. LieutenantGeneral Khalfan hasn’t forgotten his community responsibilities. “Community police means a police that is acceptable amongst society, its word reaches people and gets a response from them,” he said. “I believe we cannot be a community police unless we share with the people their worries, tragedies and happiness.” Under the guidance of a leader who considers policing not just about arresting criminals, but also providing exceptional levels of public service, it is no wonder the Dubai Police have recorded a community satisfaction rating of 85 per cent, an enormous achievement considering the diverse nature of the Dubai population. It is precisely this dedication to community that LieutenantGeneral Khalfan believes will maintain Dubai as one of the safest places on the globe to live and work. Despite the political geosensitivities of the region overall, the emirate is a haven of safety and prosperity. “If we succeed in strongly establishing the concept of community police we will be able to discover more crimes, face the dangers of terrorism and large crimes because the public is willing to cooperate with the police”, he concludes.
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander and Chief of Dubai Police
Best of Dubai
41
Tel.: +9714 269 2222 www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
Best of Dubai
The World Tower When Fortune Group first announced the launch of Burj Al Alam, the world’s tallest commercial tower; it promised to construct one of the most impressive landmarks in Dubai. Replete with luxurious value additions, this vertical landmark will house offices, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest 5-star hotel, serviced apartments, the world’s highest restaurant as well as the world’s first rooftop spa. At almost half a kilometre into the sky, Burj Al Alam, or ‘World Tower,’ as it is known in English, is guaranteed to become one of the finest architectural achievements in the world.
Since the launch of the project Fortune Group have sold 50% of the project in terms of offices.
Syed Muhammed Ali CEO - Fortune Group
42
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
43
At 500 meters high, Burj Al Alam will beat the Petronas Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur and the Sears Tower of Chicago as the world’s tallest commercial landmark. “I was very much inspired by Toronto’s CN Tower and especially its observation deck,” says Syed Mohammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “Burj Al Alam will allow visitors to view neighbouring emirates from its state of the art roof deck, the first of its kind in the region.” Prior to the project’s launch in Business Bay, there was debate on how tall the building should be. “Some felt that 108 stories would be impossible to achieve, that it was too high,” explains Ahmed Hashim Khoory, Chairman, Fortune Group. “With the help of our team, consultants and overall goodwill, we found the confidence we needed to forge ahead with this incredible project.” The team behind Burj Al Alam consists of an impressive combination of architects and consultants. Ove Arup, one of the world’s top engineering firms and Nihon Sekkei, renowned architecture design firm, are just a few of the names associated with Burj Al Alam. “We chose Japanese consultants primarily because of their specialisation in earthquake protective construction. “We are determined to build the strongest possible structure that will withstand the test of time,” Ali explains. The tower derives its inspiration from nature. Viewed from the top, its hexagonal tip will look like a blossoming flower with petals opening outward. At another level, the six distinct ‘petals,’ or demarcations, are said to pay tribute to the Six Sigma process of business improvement. This befits the underlying entrepreneurial spirit of Business Bay and Dubai as a whole. Burj Al Alam plans to offer unrivalled facilities to its corporate tenants with each floor divided into six ‘petals’. The division will allow the flexibility of mixed tenancy planning and can even be subdivided to optimise efficiency and productivity. As a testament to their success, the offices first went on sale in May 2006 and within three months, nearly half were already sold. Burj Al Alam will feature a unique shopper’s arcade, consisting of the
most exclusive brand names in retail. “We are still in the midst of interviewing prospective retailers for our shopping mall,” says Ali. “A total of 330,000 square feet of leasable space is being reserved for only the top names in the business.” An array of resources to satisfy the requirements of distinguished hotel guests will be on offer at Burj Al Alam. The tallest hotel in the world will consist of 200 suites, 104 serviced apartments and 6 F&B outlets. Many international hotel chains have been considered for management of the hotel but we have not yet ruled out the prospect of managing it ourselves, the possibilities are endless,” he adds. Whether you are looking for candlelit dinners, light snacks or a sunlit patio, Burj Al Alam is bound to have it. “Diverse cuisines, breathtaking views and impeccable service will combine to make Burj Al Alam’s restaurants amongst the best in the world”. The world’s highest spa also promises to be amongst its most luxurious. Personalised programmes, services and treatments will all be on offer to discerning spa aficionados. “Burj Al Alam seeks to house the most elite spa in the world and for this Fortune Group is negotiating and consulting on plans with some of the best spas globally,” says Ali. Signature treatments utilising plants and minerals also represent the range and variety of services to be offered at the spa. The tower is strategically designed to enhance the view of Business Bay Creek on the South side and Emaar’s Burj Dubai highrise tower on the North. “The phenomenal growth of Dubai’s economic infrastructure has led to an increased demand for premier office space. Burj Al Alam will provide the finest corporate environment to top companies, investors and businesses,” Ali feels. “I can’t think of a better place in the world right now to be building such an iconic structure.” With one of the best addresses on Business Bay and a long list of must-see attractions, Burj Al Alam is bound to become one of the region’s most exciting landmarks. Tel.: +9714 331 6789 www.burjalalam.com
Best of Dubai
The World Tower When Fortune Group first announced the launch of Burj Al Alam, the world’s tallest commercial tower; it promised to construct one of the most impressive landmarks in Dubai. Replete with luxurious value additions, this vertical landmark will house offices, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest 5-star hotel, serviced apartments, the world’s highest restaurant as well as the world’s first rooftop spa. At almost half a kilometre into the sky, Burj Al Alam, or ‘World Tower,’ as it is known in English, is guaranteed to become one of the finest architectural achievements in the world.
Since the launch of the project Fortune Group have sold 50% of the project in terms of offices.
Syed Muhammed Ali CEO - Fortune Group
42
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
43
At 500 meters high, Burj Al Alam will beat the Petronas Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur and the Sears Tower of Chicago as the world’s tallest commercial landmark. “I was very much inspired by Toronto’s CN Tower and especially its observation deck,” says Syed Mohammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “Burj Al Alam will allow visitors to view neighbouring emirates from its state of the art roof deck, the first of its kind in the region.” Prior to the project’s launch in Business Bay, there was debate on how tall the building should be. “Some felt that 108 stories would be impossible to achieve, that it was too high,” explains Ahmed Hashim Khoory, Chairman, Fortune Group. “With the help of our team, consultants and overall goodwill, we found the confidence we needed to forge ahead with this incredible project.” The team behind Burj Al Alam consists of an impressive combination of architects and consultants. Ove Arup, one of the world’s top engineering firms and Nihon Sekkei, renowned architecture design firm, are just a few of the names associated with Burj Al Alam. “We chose Japanese consultants primarily because of their specialisation in earthquake protective construction. “We are determined to build the strongest possible structure that will withstand the test of time,” Ali explains. The tower derives its inspiration from nature. Viewed from the top, its hexagonal tip will look like a blossoming flower with petals opening outward. At another level, the six distinct ‘petals,’ or demarcations, are said to pay tribute to the Six Sigma process of business improvement. This befits the underlying entrepreneurial spirit of Business Bay and Dubai as a whole. Burj Al Alam plans to offer unrivalled facilities to its corporate tenants with each floor divided into six ‘petals’. The division will allow the flexibility of mixed tenancy planning and can even be subdivided to optimise efficiency and productivity. As a testament to their success, the offices first went on sale in May 2006 and within three months, nearly half were already sold. Burj Al Alam will feature a unique shopper’s arcade, consisting of the
most exclusive brand names in retail. “We are still in the midst of interviewing prospective retailers for our shopping mall,” says Ali. “A total of 330,000 square feet of leasable space is being reserved for only the top names in the business.” An array of resources to satisfy the requirements of distinguished hotel guests will be on offer at Burj Al Alam. The tallest hotel in the world will consist of 200 suites, 104 serviced apartments and 6 F&B outlets. Many international hotel chains have been considered for management of the hotel but we have not yet ruled out the prospect of managing it ourselves, the possibilities are endless,” he adds. Whether you are looking for candlelit dinners, light snacks or a sunlit patio, Burj Al Alam is bound to have it. “Diverse cuisines, breathtaking views and impeccable service will combine to make Burj Al Alam’s restaurants amongst the best in the world”. The world’s highest spa also promises to be amongst its most luxurious. Personalised programmes, services and treatments will all be on offer to discerning spa aficionados. “Burj Al Alam seeks to house the most elite spa in the world and for this Fortune Group is negotiating and consulting on plans with some of the best spas globally,” says Ali. Signature treatments utilising plants and minerals also represent the range and variety of services to be offered at the spa. The tower is strategically designed to enhance the view of Business Bay Creek on the South side and Emaar’s Burj Dubai highrise tower on the North. “The phenomenal growth of Dubai’s economic infrastructure has led to an increased demand for premier office space. Burj Al Alam will provide the finest corporate environment to top companies, investors and businesses,” Ali feels. “I can’t think of a better place in the world right now to be building such an iconic structure.” With one of the best addresses on Business Bay and a long list of must-see attractions, Burj Al Alam is bound to become one of the region’s most exciting landmarks. Tel.: +9714 331 6789 www.burjalalam.com
Best of Dubai
Comparisons Defied.qxp
1/2/2007
9:44 AM
Page 1
Comparisons Defied More than a sunbathing hotspot or the ultimate duty-free shopping haven, Dubai, otherwise known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf', is a pulsating architectural, economic and cultural metropolis-in-the-making that defies standard definition. With a population of just over one to one and a half million, and only 12 per cent of those being local citizens, Dubai is a veritable cultural melting pot, where more than 180 different nationalities co-exist within this relatively small city-state of just 906.1 million sq. metres.
Emirates Burj Al Arab is an enduring architectural and hospitality landmark
THE glitziest of the seven-strong United Arab Emirates Federation, Dubai boasts enthralling contrasts that underscore the speed of development and the wealth that has been engendered by the repatriation of vast capital inflows to the region.
Strategically located at the crossroads of continents and time zones, the distinctions between old and new are deliberate. Dubai displays a captivating blend of traditional Arab, Islamic values and culture with the modernity of a tolerant and cosmopolitan living environment.
Imagine venturing into the desert on a camel trek in the morning and brushing up on your skiing skills in the world's largest indoor skislope in the afternoon. In Dubai, this and more is possible. How about haggling for authentic Middle-Eastern trinkets in an air conditioned souq whilst pondering buying a chunk of the largest man-made land reclamation project development in the world - The Palm? Have you considered owning your own island? Fancy enjoying the amenities of the West, whilst basking in the service culture of the East? If so, this emirate is the right place for you. While Abu Dhabi has immense oil wealth, which is being shrewdly invested, Dubai no longer relies on its dwindling oil reserves to expand its growing economy. With projected growth touching a sustainable 16 per cent per annum Dubai is undeniably a booming emirate that is showing the way of economic diversification to neighbouring states keen to replicate the emirate's success and growing kudos worldwide. Over the years Dubai has not only consolidated its position as a key trading hub between the East and the West, it has led the way as an attractive tax-free business centre where legal formalities are not bound by the widespread red tape found elsewhere. Safe, clean and efficient, Dubai is a great place to live and work. Whilst climates soar into the 40's (centigrade) between May and October, life is indeed balmy during the rest of the year. This is not to say that everything in the emirate is perfect. Inflation, officially recorded at 3 per cent per annum, but unofficially pegged at 18 per cent per cent, is tarnishing the image of Dubai, making the luxury lifestyle ideal a mirage for many. Never asleep, always exciting, Dubai is the safest, yet definitely the hippest place to live in the Middle East, which is why Dubai continues to be the third most popular long-haul destination (after Barbados and Mauritius) for British Airways Holidays. Impressive architectural landmarks, excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, added to striking sandy beaches, mind-blowing theme parks and an accessible culture and history make this the ideal place to be.
44
Best of Dubai
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, taking hospitality to stellar heights
FAST FACTS Location of UAE Geographic Coordinates Population Dubai and UAE Ethnic Groups Religions Languages Independence
Government Type Political parties and leaders Environmental issues Natural Resources Natural Hazards Climate Clothing Business Days Local Time Country Dialling Code Internet Code Currency Exchange Rates Electricity
Best of Dubai
45
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. 24 00 N, 54 00 E 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. (UAE 4.2 million 2006). Emirati Nationals15%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (figures for whole of the UAE) Muslim 96%, Christian, Hindu and other 4% Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu. Formerly part of the Trucial States of Oman, on the 2nd December 1971 six of the states (Abu-Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain and Dubai merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined by Ras Al Khaimah in 1972. Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE Federal Government and other powers reserved to member emirates. No political parties. In Dubai the Al-Maktoum family rules. Currently, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is the Ruler. Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills. Petroleum, natural gas (strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.) Frequent sand and dust storms. Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular and usually amounts to five days a year. The average daily maximum temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and most types of casual dress can be worn. However, in deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea not to wear very short or tight clothing. Public and private sectors now have Friday-Saturday weekends from September 2006. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. +9714 .ae UAE Dirham (AED) UAE Dirhams per US dollar 3.67 220 or 240 volts AC 50 HZ
Best of Dubai
Comparisons Defied.qxp
1/2/2007
9:44 AM
Page 1
Comparisons Defied More than a sunbathing hotspot or the ultimate duty-free shopping haven, Dubai, otherwise known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf', is a pulsating architectural, economic and cultural metropolis-in-the-making that defies standard definition. With a population of just over one to one and a half million, and only 12 per cent of those being local citizens, Dubai is a veritable cultural melting pot, where more than 180 different nationalities co-exist within this relatively small city-state of just 906.1 million sq. metres.
Emirates Burj Al Arab is an enduring architectural and hospitality landmark
THE glitziest of the seven-strong United Arab Emirates Federation, Dubai boasts enthralling contrasts that underscore the speed of development and the wealth that has been engendered by the repatriation of vast capital inflows to the region.
Strategically located at the crossroads of continents and time zones, the distinctions between old and new are deliberate. Dubai displays a captivating blend of traditional Arab, Islamic values and culture with the modernity of a tolerant and cosmopolitan living environment.
Imagine venturing into the desert on a camel trek in the morning and brushing up on your skiing skills in the world's largest indoor skislope in the afternoon. In Dubai, this and more is possible. How about haggling for authentic Middle-Eastern trinkets in an air conditioned souq whilst pondering buying a chunk of the largest man-made land reclamation project development in the world - The Palm? Have you considered owning your own island? Fancy enjoying the amenities of the West, whilst basking in the service culture of the East? If so, this emirate is the right place for you. While Abu Dhabi has immense oil wealth, which is being shrewdly invested, Dubai no longer relies on its dwindling oil reserves to expand its growing economy. With projected growth touching a sustainable 16 per cent per annum Dubai is undeniably a booming emirate that is showing the way of economic diversification to neighbouring states keen to replicate the emirate's success and growing kudos worldwide. Over the years Dubai has not only consolidated its position as a key trading hub between the East and the West, it has led the way as an attractive tax-free business centre where legal formalities are not bound by the widespread red tape found elsewhere. Safe, clean and efficient, Dubai is a great place to live and work. Whilst climates soar into the 40's (centigrade) between May and October, life is indeed balmy during the rest of the year. This is not to say that everything in the emirate is perfect. Inflation, officially recorded at 3 per cent per annum, but unofficially pegged at 18 per cent per cent, is tarnishing the image of Dubai, making the luxury lifestyle ideal a mirage for many. Never asleep, always exciting, Dubai is the safest, yet definitely the hippest place to live in the Middle East, which is why Dubai continues to be the third most popular long-haul destination (after Barbados and Mauritius) for British Airways Holidays. Impressive architectural landmarks, excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, added to striking sandy beaches, mind-blowing theme parks and an accessible culture and history make this the ideal place to be.
44
Best of Dubai
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, taking hospitality to stellar heights
FAST FACTS Location of UAE Geographic Coordinates Population Dubai and UAE Ethnic Groups Religions Languages Independence
Government Type Political parties and leaders Environmental issues Natural Resources Natural Hazards Climate Clothing Business Days Local Time Country Dialling Code Internet Code Currency Exchange Rates Electricity
Best of Dubai
45
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. 24 00 N, 54 00 E 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. (UAE 4.2 million 2006). Emirati Nationals15%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (figures for whole of the UAE) Muslim 96%, Christian, Hindu and other 4% Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu. Formerly part of the Trucial States of Oman, on the 2nd December 1971 six of the states (Abu-Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al Quwain and Dubai merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined by Ras Al Khaimah in 1972. Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE Federal Government and other powers reserved to member emirates. No political parties. In Dubai the Al-Maktoum family rules. Currently, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is the Ruler. Lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills. Petroleum, natural gas (strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.) Frequent sand and dust storms. Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular and usually amounts to five days a year. The average daily maximum temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and most types of casual dress can be worn. However, in deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea not to wear very short or tight clothing. Public and private sectors now have Friday-Saturday weekends from September 2006. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. +9714 .ae UAE Dirham (AED) UAE Dirhams per US dollar 3.67 220 or 240 volts AC 50 HZ
Dubai's World Records
Strange but true…..
-
-
-
-
-
The World's tallest and most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab. The only self-styled all suites hotel, which is taller than the Eiffel tower, is just 65 metres shorter than the Empire State building in New York. However, this building has the energy requirements of a small city. The World's tallest building,Burj Dubai (under construction). The World's biggest Duty Free shopping complex. The World's richest horse race. The World's first team to tour the globe in cars. The team covered more than 96,000 kilometres and visited 48 countries in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. The World's most expensive water theme park. The World's first Islamic Commercial Bank. The World's Longest and Heaviest Gold Chain. The World's Biggest Artificial Islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali. The islands, like the Great Wall of China, will be visible from space, as far away as the moon. The World's biggest and tallest indoor Snow Ski Resort - a 320 metre downhill skiing slope.
-
-
-
-
Useful Links UAE Government www.uae.gov.ae Dubai Municipality www.dm.gov.ae Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.dcci.org Dubai Police Headquarters www.dubaipolice.gov.ae Political Resources on the Net www.politicalresources.net Dubai City Guide www.dubaicityguide.com Dubai Tourism and Commerce www.dubaitourism.co.ae Dubai Dept. of Economic Development www.dubaided.gov.ae
-
Dubai bred the world's first cross between a camel and a llama: the 'Cama' was born in 1998. Dubai boasts the world's tallest stained glass mural, measuring approximately 41 metres high and 9 metres wide. Dubai prepared the world's biggest bowl of Biryani. and world's largest chocolate bar. Dubai has made the world's largest mattress, the world's longest sofa and the world's biggest chair, not forgetting the world's biggest shopping bag. Dubai held the highest tennis court play. In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer were invited to have a friendly match on the world's highest tennis court on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab. Tiger Woods has also teed off from the Burj's helipad. If you are involved in a motor accident in which another party is injured, you will automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from hospital. As recently as 1952, there weren't any schools and even today only primary education is compulsory. Today in local universities, women outnumber men by three to one, yet women only represent 40 percent of the workforce. In 2006, 24 per cent of the world's 125,000 construction cranes were operating in Dubai.
Aquatic fun at Wild Wadi
46
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
47
Dubai's World Records
Strange but true…..
-
-
-
-
-
The World's tallest and most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab. The only self-styled all suites hotel, which is taller than the Eiffel tower, is just 65 metres shorter than the Empire State building in New York. However, this building has the energy requirements of a small city. The World's tallest building,Burj Dubai (under construction). The World's biggest Duty Free shopping complex. The World's richest horse race. The World's first team to tour the globe in cars. The team covered more than 96,000 kilometres and visited 48 countries in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. The World's most expensive water theme park. The World's first Islamic Commercial Bank. The World's Longest and Heaviest Gold Chain. The World's Biggest Artificial Islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali. The islands, like the Great Wall of China, will be visible from space, as far away as the moon. The World's biggest and tallest indoor Snow Ski Resort - a 320 metre downhill skiing slope.
-
-
-
-
Useful Links UAE Government www.uae.gov.ae Dubai Municipality www.dm.gov.ae Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.dcci.org Dubai Police Headquarters www.dubaipolice.gov.ae Political Resources on the Net www.politicalresources.net Dubai City Guide www.dubaicityguide.com Dubai Tourism and Commerce www.dubaitourism.co.ae Dubai Dept. of Economic Development www.dubaided.gov.ae
-
Dubai bred the world's first cross between a camel and a llama: the 'Cama' was born in 1998. Dubai boasts the world's tallest stained glass mural, measuring approximately 41 metres high and 9 metres wide. Dubai prepared the world's biggest bowl of Biryani. and world's largest chocolate bar. Dubai has made the world's largest mattress, the world's longest sofa and the world's biggest chair, not forgetting the world's biggest shopping bag. Dubai held the highest tennis court play. In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer were invited to have a friendly match on the world's highest tennis court on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab. Tiger Woods has also teed off from the Burj's helipad. If you are involved in a motor accident in which another party is injured, you will automatically go to jail until the injured person is released from hospital. As recently as 1952, there weren't any schools and even today only primary education is compulsory. Today in local universities, women outnumber men by three to one, yet women only represent 40 percent of the workforce. In 2006, 24 per cent of the world's 125,000 construction cranes were operating in Dubai.
Aquatic fun at Wild Wadi
46
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
47
"…Always smile and greet the guest first before the guest greets you. As a first response to a guest's request, you can never say no - you've got to try to make it a yes". Gerald Lawless, CEO Jumeirah Group
CHAPTER 2 Hotels & Hospitality
"…Always smile and greet the guest first before the guest greets you. As a first response to a guest's request, you can never say no - you've got to try to make it a yes". Gerald Lawless, CEO Jumeirah Group
CHAPTER 2 Hotels & Hospitality
Hotels & Hospitality
Tying the knot - again “Be hospitable”. When founder Conrad Hilton voiced this famous motto for his eponymous chain of hotels, little did he know that the industry would eventually be mired by cutthroat competition, as well as the challenges of segmentation and branding, exacerbated by feverish globalisation.
Al Sharq Palace suite
Guy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing
This is probably why the two Hilton behemoths: Hilton Hotels Corporation (HCC) and Hilton International (HI) have joined hands once again in what is hoped will be a mega marriage of convenience. After splitting up over 40 years ago, the unified company is currently the world's leader with over 2,800 hotels and 490,000 rooms in more than 80 countries. Complementing each other's markets, the former built its name on an ethos of reliability and service, whilst the latter positioned itself as an up scale provider of 'unforgettable experiences'. Together, boasting a superlative family of brands such as: Hilton®, Conrad®, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™, Doubletree®, Hampton Inn® and many more, the sky is the limit. In the Arabian Peninsula, the Hilton heritage stretches back over 30 years, when it became the first international hotel brand to open a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ain in 1972. Today, the company currently operates 31 hotels, with eight in the UAE. "The Middle East hosts an endless amount of opportunity for the hotel industry, and the Hilton brand will continue to persevere with this opportunity. The region's shifting landscape can be challenging, but we always love a challenge! It is our aim to have a landmark property in every major city in the Gulf", says Guy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, Hilton International, Arabian Peninsula. With the expanded brand range, this gigantic purveyor of the inimitable 'Hilton Moment' is now able to offer regional customers more choice and flexibility. The company is also capitalising on emerging gaps in the market, such as the rising demand for budget hotels. New brands like DoubleTree® and Hampton Inn® will focus on budget travellers, while simultaneously carrying the quality assurance that is associated with the Hilton name. "As the region's hospitality industry continues to unfold, hotels will continue to be built. Hilton gives you more care, rewards you for your loyalty and offers unique properties in key locations. It is these factors that set Hilton
Al Sharq Palace lobby
50
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
51
apart from other international hotel brands, and keep us committed to our global philosophy", Epsom explains. With the UAE being touted as the fourth most visited region in the world, and Qatar enjoying the second fastest GDP growth behind China, Hilton has homed in on these two hotspots. The first phase of a Hilton Worldwide Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE opens later this year. A third Hilton property is also coming to life in Dubai: The Hilton Jumeirah Beach Club will open in 2007 as an upper crust leisure haven overlooking the Jumeirah beach strip, with 50 cabanas and seven food and beverage outlets catering to the flourishing Dubai Marina complex. In addition, Conrad marks its entry into the Gulf with a 400-room opening on the Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, in 2008. Last but not least, the Hilton Doha, the company's first foray into the Qatari market, will open by December 2007. Standing proud over the Corniche, the striking blue 300-room property replete with grand ballroom, 12 state-of-the-art meeting rooms and internationally placed restaurants like BiCE restaurant, represents yet another example of how rapidly the organisation evolves despite the noise and fanfare created by other hotel chains that are miniscule in comparison. HI was a regional heavyweight before, and together with its US partner, the erstwhile HHC, they stand to blossom even further as a unified family of brands spanning diverse hospitality segments and typologies. The test of this nascent relationship will be to ensure that as a result of the integration, Hilton cements its foothold on the industry sector, making it a true global company and brazen competitor. Ultimately, the winners will be the loyal Hilton customers who can look forward to even more options and services as a result of this mighty merger. www.hiltonworldwide.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Tying the knot - again “Be hospitable”. When founder Conrad Hilton voiced this famous motto for his eponymous chain of hotels, little did he know that the industry would eventually be mired by cutthroat competition, as well as the challenges of segmentation and branding, exacerbated by feverish globalisation.
Al Sharq Palace suite
Guy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing
This is probably why the two Hilton behemoths: Hilton Hotels Corporation (HCC) and Hilton International (HI) have joined hands once again in what is hoped will be a mega marriage of convenience. After splitting up over 40 years ago, the unified company is currently the world's leader with over 2,800 hotels and 490,000 rooms in more than 80 countries. Complementing each other's markets, the former built its name on an ethos of reliability and service, whilst the latter positioned itself as an up scale provider of 'unforgettable experiences'. Together, boasting a superlative family of brands such as: Hilton®, Conrad®, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™, Doubletree®, Hampton Inn® and many more, the sky is the limit. In the Arabian Peninsula, the Hilton heritage stretches back over 30 years, when it became the first international hotel brand to open a property in the UAE - the Hilton Al Ain in 1972. Today, the company currently operates 31 hotels, with eight in the UAE. "The Middle East hosts an endless amount of opportunity for the hotel industry, and the Hilton brand will continue to persevere with this opportunity. The region's shifting landscape can be challenging, but we always love a challenge! It is our aim to have a landmark property in every major city in the Gulf", says Guy Epsom, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, Hilton International, Arabian Peninsula. With the expanded brand range, this gigantic purveyor of the inimitable 'Hilton Moment' is now able to offer regional customers more choice and flexibility. The company is also capitalising on emerging gaps in the market, such as the rising demand for budget hotels. New brands like DoubleTree® and Hampton Inn® will focus on budget travellers, while simultaneously carrying the quality assurance that is associated with the Hilton name. "As the region's hospitality industry continues to unfold, hotels will continue to be built. Hilton gives you more care, rewards you for your loyalty and offers unique properties in key locations. It is these factors that set Hilton
Al Sharq Palace lobby
50
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
51
apart from other international hotel brands, and keep us committed to our global philosophy", Epsom explains. With the UAE being touted as the fourth most visited region in the world, and Qatar enjoying the second fastest GDP growth behind China, Hilton has homed in on these two hotspots. The first phase of a Hilton Worldwide Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE opens later this year. A third Hilton property is also coming to life in Dubai: The Hilton Jumeirah Beach Club will open in 2007 as an upper crust leisure haven overlooking the Jumeirah beach strip, with 50 cabanas and seven food and beverage outlets catering to the flourishing Dubai Marina complex. In addition, Conrad marks its entry into the Gulf with a 400-room opening on the Sheikh Zayed road in Dubai, in 2008. Last but not least, the Hilton Doha, the company's first foray into the Qatari market, will open by December 2007. Standing proud over the Corniche, the striking blue 300-room property replete with grand ballroom, 12 state-of-the-art meeting rooms and internationally placed restaurants like BiCE restaurant, represents yet another example of how rapidly the organisation evolves despite the noise and fanfare created by other hotel chains that are miniscule in comparison. HI was a regional heavyweight before, and together with its US partner, the erstwhile HHC, they stand to blossom even further as a unified family of brands spanning diverse hospitality segments and typologies. The test of this nascent relationship will be to ensure that as a result of the integration, Hilton cements its foothold on the industry sector, making it a true global company and brazen competitor. Ultimately, the winners will be the loyal Hilton customers who can look forward to even more options and services as a result of this mighty merger. www.hiltonworldwide.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Resort Revels The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only True Resort is underscored by the fact that it’s the only integrated property in the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par 36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting club and purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room.
Even though many new hotel developments are planned for Dubai’s purported increase of visitors, from five million yearly to 10 million in 2010, there are some properties which will remain legendary in their own right no matter what the competition brings. Take the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa for instance – one of the region’s venerable havens of rest and relaxation, set in 128 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It is unique a complete self contained resort. Here, guests enjoy it to the full, often never leaving the unmatched facilities and luscious grounds for the duration of their stay. Established in 1981, this 260 room five star property was located 45 kilometres from Dubai. At that time it took a drive through desert plains in order to get to the city centre, but as a result of Dubai’s extraordinary growth it now enjoys an enviable location. These days this buoyant resort finds itself nearby various residential communities and close to the famous Jebel Ali Free Zone and the upcoming Dubai World Central airport - the world’s largest. Plus of course, it’s right on the
beach, with extraordinary views over the Arabian Gulf and Jebel Ali Palm Island. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only True Resort is underscored by the fact that it is the only resort in the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par 36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting club and purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room. Additional luxury hotel accoutrements like shopping arcades and various restaurants ensure the full force of Arabian hospitality envelop you with seamless ease. Despite its obvious unique selling propositions, the resort has continued to develop and expand, even more so since the recent appointment of Mark Bettsworth as General Manager. His fresh ideas will no doubt capitalise on the property’s existing strengths.
52
Best of Dubai
Mark Bettsworth General Manager Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
“I must seize the opportunities to realise the great potential that exists now”, says veteran hotelier, Bettsworth. “Our company has a great tradition of hospitality and excellence and I look forward to take this tradition a step further.” Whether you are a Dubai resident looking for a relaxing hideaway ideal for couples and families, or a traveller on business or leisure, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa offers something for everyone. The 800 metres of seashore (an increasingly rare commodity in Dubai), fish-filled streams, waterfalls and first-class facilities remove you from the mundane stresses of life and beyond commonplace hospitality services, to something that cannot be experienced elsewhere. How the hotel came to exist is part of Dubai folklore. Construction began in 1975 when the Penta Group were invited out to Dubai to build an airport hotel near the planned new Jebel Ali Airport. Even though these plans were shelved and Penta Hotels pulled out, Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport
Best of Dubai
53
Company (DUTCO), whose company was then building the new Jebel Ali Port, agreed to take over the hotel and complete it. “This was a bold and shrewd business move on his part as he envisioned the opportunity to turn the Jebel Ali Hotel into a unique resort, with its 128 acres of grounds and nearly a kilometre of beachfront”, explains Bettsworth. In the early days, the hotel was a favourite with Dubai residents who could easily access the hotel for weekends and enjoy the extensive facilities. Subsequently a shooting club was also built a couple of kilometres from the hotel – the ideal training ground for Sheikh Ahmed Hasher al Maktoum, Olympic Gold Medallist in 2004. Recently a Centre of Excellence with football pitches and a leadership centre were also established, with many of the UK and Europe’s top teams already having trained there. “We are proud of our product diversity as we are proud to be the flagship property for our group. Jebel Ali International Hotels boasts an enviable portfolio that comprises a selection of other unique properties in Dubai”, he added. Your ideal day at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa can start in a million ways: Beach, sun, water sports and sailing. Or a morning at The Spa’s Hammam, where you are expertly pummelled, scrubbed and massaged in a pristine Moroccan ambience as you experience a Royal Hammam Ritual. Quality wellness elements are increasingly vital aspects of any holiday. Expertly catered for at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, The Spa is situated in front of the saltwater pool amid swaying palms. This twostorey haven of relaxation features ten treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and invigorating showers. After your treatment you can unwind in the ladies majlis or relaxation room and enjoy herbal infusions, fresh fruit and fantastic views over the beach and gardens. Otherwise, get into the sporting vibe with excellent golf, shooting and horse riding facilities. Learn the art of horse riding, or play a round of golf on the immaculately maintained Resort Course. Everything is convenient - even the horses bask in air-conditioned grandeur. The 9-hole golf course which opened in 1998, was landscaped around the original grounds of the hotel, taking advantage of mature gardens and making it the most picturesque course in Dubai. Its popularity was further enhanced by
James Williams; a much loved golf professional who taught most of the budding golfers in Dubai at the time. The next project that followed was the construction of the Palm Tree Court & Spa, a 134-suite development on the beach, giving the hotel 394 rooms. The new extension was an enhancement with spacious rooms and luxurious bathrooms. The rooms are perfect for long stays; spacious, comfortable and very private. Those on the ground floor open up onto sweeping lawns and shady palm trees that merge into the beach and seashore. What better than to sit outside, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book and sipping an ice cool lemonade? Fine food choices are the hallmark of any resort’s success and with 13 restaurants and bars including Signatures for French fine dining, La Traviata for Italian fare, White Orchid for Asian cuisine and La Fontana for buffets and breakfasts, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa puts on a fine spread. Signatures for instance, is sensationally decorated and the menu boasts French options that are wholesome too - definitely a must for any special occasion. La Traviata is designed as a wine cellar with a distinctly cosy feel. The variety and quality of the Mediterranean food is excellent, with loads of choice all in one location. With so many types of guests, from so many different places, it is incumbent on the chefs to present diners with a workable menu that looks good and tastes even better. White Orchid, a stylish restaurant set inside the Palm Tree Court & Spa, specialises in Asian cuisine, with indigenous chefs from the countries represented adding that inimitable culinary ‘spice of life’. La Fontana serves excellent buffets. For breakfast lovers, this is indeed one of the finest spreads you will enjoy anywhere, and you can add to your breakfast repertoire by experiencing the many different types of cuisines. Clearly, every aspect of this impeccably run operation is accentuated by choice, quality, understated luxury and impeccable service. No wonder that the resort is part of both ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and ‘Leading Spas’ associations. Tel.: +9714 883 6000 www.jebelali-international.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Resort Revels The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only True Resort is underscored by the fact that it’s the only integrated property in the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par 36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting club and purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room.
Even though many new hotel developments are planned for Dubai’s purported increase of visitors, from five million yearly to 10 million in 2010, there are some properties which will remain legendary in their own right no matter what the competition brings. Take the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa for instance – one of the region’s venerable havens of rest and relaxation, set in 128 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the Arabian Gulf. It is unique a complete self contained resort. Here, guests enjoy it to the full, often never leaving the unmatched facilities and luscious grounds for the duration of their stay. Established in 1981, this 260 room five star property was located 45 kilometres from Dubai. At that time it took a drive through desert plains in order to get to the city centre, but as a result of Dubai’s extraordinary growth it now enjoys an enviable location. These days this buoyant resort finds itself nearby various residential communities and close to the famous Jebel Ali Free Zone and the upcoming Dubai World Central airport - the world’s largest. Plus of course, it’s right on the
beach, with extraordinary views over the Arabian Gulf and Jebel Ali Palm Island. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa’s positioning as Dubai’s Only True Resort is underscored by the fact that it is the only resort in the region that has its own air-conditioned riding stables, 9-hole par 36 championship-standard golf course, professional shooting club and purpose-built spa with a spectacular Hammam scrub room. Additional luxury hotel accoutrements like shopping arcades and various restaurants ensure the full force of Arabian hospitality envelop you with seamless ease. Despite its obvious unique selling propositions, the resort has continued to develop and expand, even more so since the recent appointment of Mark Bettsworth as General Manager. His fresh ideas will no doubt capitalise on the property’s existing strengths.
52
Best of Dubai
Mark Bettsworth General Manager Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
“I must seize the opportunities to realise the great potential that exists now”, says veteran hotelier, Bettsworth. “Our company has a great tradition of hospitality and excellence and I look forward to take this tradition a step further.” Whether you are a Dubai resident looking for a relaxing hideaway ideal for couples and families, or a traveller on business or leisure, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa offers something for everyone. The 800 metres of seashore (an increasingly rare commodity in Dubai), fish-filled streams, waterfalls and first-class facilities remove you from the mundane stresses of life and beyond commonplace hospitality services, to something that cannot be experienced elsewhere. How the hotel came to exist is part of Dubai folklore. Construction began in 1975 when the Penta Group were invited out to Dubai to build an airport hotel near the planned new Jebel Ali Airport. Even though these plans were shelved and Penta Hotels pulled out, Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport
Best of Dubai
53
Company (DUTCO), whose company was then building the new Jebel Ali Port, agreed to take over the hotel and complete it. “This was a bold and shrewd business move on his part as he envisioned the opportunity to turn the Jebel Ali Hotel into a unique resort, with its 128 acres of grounds and nearly a kilometre of beachfront”, explains Bettsworth. In the early days, the hotel was a favourite with Dubai residents who could easily access the hotel for weekends and enjoy the extensive facilities. Subsequently a shooting club was also built a couple of kilometres from the hotel – the ideal training ground for Sheikh Ahmed Hasher al Maktoum, Olympic Gold Medallist in 2004. Recently a Centre of Excellence with football pitches and a leadership centre were also established, with many of the UK and Europe’s top teams already having trained there. “We are proud of our product diversity as we are proud to be the flagship property for our group. Jebel Ali International Hotels boasts an enviable portfolio that comprises a selection of other unique properties in Dubai”, he added. Your ideal day at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa can start in a million ways: Beach, sun, water sports and sailing. Or a morning at The Spa’s Hammam, where you are expertly pummelled, scrubbed and massaged in a pristine Moroccan ambience as you experience a Royal Hammam Ritual. Quality wellness elements are increasingly vital aspects of any holiday. Expertly catered for at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, The Spa is situated in front of the saltwater pool amid swaying palms. This twostorey haven of relaxation features ten treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and invigorating showers. After your treatment you can unwind in the ladies majlis or relaxation room and enjoy herbal infusions, fresh fruit and fantastic views over the beach and gardens. Otherwise, get into the sporting vibe with excellent golf, shooting and horse riding facilities. Learn the art of horse riding, or play a round of golf on the immaculately maintained Resort Course. Everything is convenient - even the horses bask in air-conditioned grandeur. The 9-hole golf course which opened in 1998, was landscaped around the original grounds of the hotel, taking advantage of mature gardens and making it the most picturesque course in Dubai. Its popularity was further enhanced by
James Williams; a much loved golf professional who taught most of the budding golfers in Dubai at the time. The next project that followed was the construction of the Palm Tree Court & Spa, a 134-suite development on the beach, giving the hotel 394 rooms. The new extension was an enhancement with spacious rooms and luxurious bathrooms. The rooms are perfect for long stays; spacious, comfortable and very private. Those on the ground floor open up onto sweeping lawns and shady palm trees that merge into the beach and seashore. What better than to sit outside, relaxing in a comfortable chair with a good book and sipping an ice cool lemonade? Fine food choices are the hallmark of any resort’s success and with 13 restaurants and bars including Signatures for French fine dining, La Traviata for Italian fare, White Orchid for Asian cuisine and La Fontana for buffets and breakfasts, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa puts on a fine spread. Signatures for instance, is sensationally decorated and the menu boasts French options that are wholesome too - definitely a must for any special occasion. La Traviata is designed as a wine cellar with a distinctly cosy feel. The variety and quality of the Mediterranean food is excellent, with loads of choice all in one location. With so many types of guests, from so many different places, it is incumbent on the chefs to present diners with a workable menu that looks good and tastes even better. White Orchid, a stylish restaurant set inside the Palm Tree Court & Spa, specialises in Asian cuisine, with indigenous chefs from the countries represented adding that inimitable culinary ‘spice of life’. La Fontana serves excellent buffets. For breakfast lovers, this is indeed one of the finest spreads you will enjoy anywhere, and you can add to your breakfast repertoire by experiencing the many different types of cuisines. Clearly, every aspect of this impeccably run operation is accentuated by choice, quality, understated luxury and impeccable service. No wonder that the resort is part of both ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’ and ‘Leading Spas’ associations. Tel.: +9714 883 6000 www.jebelali-international.com
12/28/2006
4:55 PM
Hotels & Hospitality
Mina Seyahi.qxp
Page 1
Mina Magic At Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, “the sea is the first thing you see when you walk into the lobby,” says Mike Scully, General Manager. And a refreshing sight it is, a world away from the dust and rampant construction around Dubai Marina next door and the Palm Jumeirah upfront. It is a fitting first sight, too, as the sea is the resort’s raison-d’être.
Scully, Veteran sportsman
Built in 1999, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, evolved from the venerable Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) that is an integral part of the facility and is the mainstay of water sports in Dubai. With 211 rooms, including the exclusive Royal Suites, the resort boasts a 238 berth luxury marina and hosts the award-winning Victory Team, off-shore powerboat world champions extraordinaire. There is even a floating restaurant, the Dhow, housed in the eponymous traditional Arabian vessel, which serves seafood and sushi and is the only floating restaurant on the Jumeirah coast. Water is also a focus for most of the hotel’s guests, who arrive from as far away as Europe and Russia for deep sea fishing tours, or to obtain certifications in sailing, relax on the Mina Seyahi’s 1200m beach - the longest private beach in Dubai - or chill out at the swim-up bar in one of three terraced swimming pools, all in the same holiday. But water sports are only the beginning. Golf is a mere two minutes away at the Emirates and Montgomery Golf Clubs, a polo pitch and qualified instructors are on
Scully explains, “We managed to create a place for ourselves that is unique, and within the industry we’re respected for it.” And the niche approach pays off in visitor numbers: to accommodate the sheer number of loyal guests, construction of a second building is already under way, an Italian-style hotel with 300 spacious rooms of around 50 square meters each, to be completed in 2007. With the added beds, the sky is the limit Scully’s eyes light up as he envisions sporting events, tournaments, and festivities galore since the “only impediment to our operation has been lack of rooms”, he says. The resort will also expand the Penguin Club, the massive children’s play area that is a landmark for resident families and holidaymakers alike. Here guests and club members can drop off their kids and rest secure in the knowledge that the expert childcare and immense jungle gym will entertain them for hours on end. Scully takes care to emphasize that the hotel is perfect for business travellers, too. Its proximity to Internet and Media Cities as well as Jebel Ali Free Zone, added to its relaxed atmosphere, provide an antidote to downtown’s traffic and hectic pace. Facilities for business include extensive conference and banqueting facilities (indoors and outdoors), and internet facilities in every room. There is also a Business Centre offering fax, photocopying, translation, wireless high-speed internet connection and charter bookings. Further equipment such as projectors, VCR's, OHP's, and amplification systems are available to companies using the selection of boardrooms or meeting rooms. And after the meetings, the sea awaits. The beach, the friendly atmosphere, and the numerous activities keep loyalty strong, ensuring
hand, and for the more robust, rugby matches take place on the beach. Scully, a veteran sportsman himself, proudly points out that the resort even sponsors a team in the Rugby Sevens. The Mina’s reputation as a sportslover’s haven has even drawn sporting greats such as Imran Khan and Francois Pinard, amongst others. Scully has been with the resort since inception and epitomizes its ethos - breezy, sporty and unpretentious – to the hilt. His sun burnt face and athletic physique attest to an active life spent outdoors in his native South Africa. “It’s the sports focus that keeps the Mina unique, and our strategy of marketing ourselves as a destination for polo or sailing holidays represents the niche marketing that hotels in the region should focus on to stay competitive,” he says. Situating his property slightly below the Jumeirah group in terms of luxury and price, and miles ahead of the rest in terms of facilities and activities,
54
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
55
repeat visits from abroad as well as a core following among Dubai locals and club members. Everyone still fondly remembers the series of beach parties called ‘Mina Moons’ that took place during the slump following 9/11 and attracted some 4000 people each night. “At that time it was incumbent on us to think up new ways to keep a close connection with the residents of Dubai, and they stayed faithful to us”, he explains. The resort’s sporty vibe does not mean it is simply for the able-bodied, however. Several rooms cater to special-needs guests, which Scully feels is a responsibility of the hospitality industry. The restaurants, which are so popular that locals vie with guests for seats, will also accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free diets. “We are not pretentious at all. It’s not just paying lip-service when we say that the customer’s needs are our commands.” Scully’s infectious enthusiasm deepens when we move on to the Mina’s six eateries. Bussola, the Italian restaurant, is according to him, “the best Italian restaurant in Dubai.” No small feat. His new baby is Tang, the funky French fusion restaurant, where Chef Stephane Buchholzer creates exquisite, innovative Franco-Asian feasts to wide acclaim. There is also Waves, a brasserie and pizzeria, the aforementioned Dhow, with its seafood emphasis, Dubai’s favourite beach bar, Barasti, and Ciro’s Pomodoro, an Italian bar/ restaurant that also features live entertainment. Whether you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, a business traveller, a parent with children or a combination of all three – a trip to the Mina will leave you more relaxed, better-fed and fitter than when you left home. Tel.: +9714 399 3333 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
12/28/2006
4:55 PM
Hotels & Hospitality
Mina Seyahi.qxp
Page 1
Mina Magic At Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, “the sea is the first thing you see when you walk into the lobby,” says Mike Scully, General Manager. And a refreshing sight it is, a world away from the dust and rampant construction around Dubai Marina next door and the Palm Jumeirah upfront. It is a fitting first sight, too, as the sea is the resort’s raison-d’être.
Scully, Veteran sportsman
Built in 1999, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, evolved from the venerable Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) that is an integral part of the facility and is the mainstay of water sports in Dubai. With 211 rooms, including the exclusive Royal Suites, the resort boasts a 238 berth luxury marina and hosts the award-winning Victory Team, off-shore powerboat world champions extraordinaire. There is even a floating restaurant, the Dhow, housed in the eponymous traditional Arabian vessel, which serves seafood and sushi and is the only floating restaurant on the Jumeirah coast. Water is also a focus for most of the hotel’s guests, who arrive from as far away as Europe and Russia for deep sea fishing tours, or to obtain certifications in sailing, relax on the Mina Seyahi’s 1200m beach - the longest private beach in Dubai - or chill out at the swim-up bar in one of three terraced swimming pools, all in the same holiday. But water sports are only the beginning. Golf is a mere two minutes away at the Emirates and Montgomery Golf Clubs, a polo pitch and qualified instructors are on
Scully explains, “We managed to create a place for ourselves that is unique, and within the industry we’re respected for it.” And the niche approach pays off in visitor numbers: to accommodate the sheer number of loyal guests, construction of a second building is already under way, an Italian-style hotel with 300 spacious rooms of around 50 square meters each, to be completed in 2007. With the added beds, the sky is the limit Scully’s eyes light up as he envisions sporting events, tournaments, and festivities galore since the “only impediment to our operation has been lack of rooms”, he says. The resort will also expand the Penguin Club, the massive children’s play area that is a landmark for resident families and holidaymakers alike. Here guests and club members can drop off their kids and rest secure in the knowledge that the expert childcare and immense jungle gym will entertain them for hours on end. Scully takes care to emphasize that the hotel is perfect for business travellers, too. Its proximity to Internet and Media Cities as well as Jebel Ali Free Zone, added to its relaxed atmosphere, provide an antidote to downtown’s traffic and hectic pace. Facilities for business include extensive conference and banqueting facilities (indoors and outdoors), and internet facilities in every room. There is also a Business Centre offering fax, photocopying, translation, wireless high-speed internet connection and charter bookings. Further equipment such as projectors, VCR's, OHP's, and amplification systems are available to companies using the selection of boardrooms or meeting rooms. And after the meetings, the sea awaits. The beach, the friendly atmosphere, and the numerous activities keep loyalty strong, ensuring
hand, and for the more robust, rugby matches take place on the beach. Scully, a veteran sportsman himself, proudly points out that the resort even sponsors a team in the Rugby Sevens. The Mina’s reputation as a sportslover’s haven has even drawn sporting greats such as Imran Khan and Francois Pinard, amongst others. Scully has been with the resort since inception and epitomizes its ethos - breezy, sporty and unpretentious – to the hilt. His sun burnt face and athletic physique attest to an active life spent outdoors in his native South Africa. “It’s the sports focus that keeps the Mina unique, and our strategy of marketing ourselves as a destination for polo or sailing holidays represents the niche marketing that hotels in the region should focus on to stay competitive,” he says. Situating his property slightly below the Jumeirah group in terms of luxury and price, and miles ahead of the rest in terms of facilities and activities,
54
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
55
repeat visits from abroad as well as a core following among Dubai locals and club members. Everyone still fondly remembers the series of beach parties called ‘Mina Moons’ that took place during the slump following 9/11 and attracted some 4000 people each night. “At that time it was incumbent on us to think up new ways to keep a close connection with the residents of Dubai, and they stayed faithful to us”, he explains. The resort’s sporty vibe does not mean it is simply for the able-bodied, however. Several rooms cater to special-needs guests, which Scully feels is a responsibility of the hospitality industry. The restaurants, which are so popular that locals vie with guests for seats, will also accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free diets. “We are not pretentious at all. It’s not just paying lip-service when we say that the customer’s needs are our commands.” Scully’s infectious enthusiasm deepens when we move on to the Mina’s six eateries. Bussola, the Italian restaurant, is according to him, “the best Italian restaurant in Dubai.” No small feat. His new baby is Tang, the funky French fusion restaurant, where Chef Stephane Buchholzer creates exquisite, innovative Franco-Asian feasts to wide acclaim. There is also Waves, a brasserie and pizzeria, the aforementioned Dhow, with its seafood emphasis, Dubai’s favourite beach bar, Barasti, and Ciro’s Pomodoro, an Italian bar/ restaurant that also features live entertainment. Whether you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, a business traveller, a parent with children or a combination of all three – a trip to the Mina will leave you more relaxed, better-fed and fitter than when you left home. Tel.: +9714 399 3333 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Oasis Beach Tower.qxp
12/28/2006
5:00 PM
Page 1
Vertical Luxury The recently launched 45 storey Oasis Beach Tower, is conveniently located on the Jumeirah beach strip opposite the Oasis Beach Hotel. Close to the sea, it stands distinctly apart from the rest of the buildings that make up the Dubai Marina development. One of a kind in a discerning environment that demands luxury and service, this is an ultra-smart and sophisticated architectural icon of 21st century living in New Dubai.
Talk about modern contemporary living elevated to art. Here you have 180 furnished apartments that are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and boasting the latest branded gadgetry too. In all shapes and sizes, dictated no doubt by the stylish lines of the building itself, the two, three and four bedroom apartments are simply breathtaking. The apartments have fabulous views over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, whilst the four bedroom apartment’s kitchens have such awesome vistas that washing dishes there can never be a chore again. In line with the current clean lines, minimalist look and dark hard wood trends, the interior décor is perfect with the architecture of the apartments. No mess, no clutter – walls, upholstery and furniture contrast perfectly. As
an extra guest bathroom at the entrance. You get the feeling that these environments have been conceptualised to accommodate guests with a diversity of needs: Business travellers, families on holiday, short and long-term residents to Dubai who don’t want the stress of renting unfurnished property. With a set-up of this level, representing independent living with all the amenities of a hotel, relaxing in the modern day ‘chaise longue’ that takes pride of place in the master bedroom, is what you could find yourself spending time doing – in addition to reading, lazing or gazing at the sea view of course. In-apartment catering and laundry services are available through the Oasis Beach Hotel, and if you fancy cooking your own food, ordering all your supermarket needs through the concierge is possible. Lounging is ideal at the panoramic pool deck on the second floor. Set in a landscaped area which makes it look like a rock pool, it lends the environment a rarefied feel that guests are happy to pay a premium for. Beach access and a host of other facilities are available through the nearby Oasis Beach Hotel. It was a sound strategic move to combine the management of the Oasis Beach Hotel and the Oasis Beach Tower under veteran hotelier Martin Weber, who combines the synergies of the two properties for the benefit of each other. With 30 years in the business regionally, Weber “loves the challenge of change”
for the bathrooms, they reflect the elegance and minute attention to detail that has been devoted to every aspect of the Oasis Beach Tower. Beautifully appointed, all en suite, complete with quality toiletries that are replenished on a regular basis – these comprehensive living spaces are not merely standard, they are definitely in the luxury suite category. Where functionality and elegance meet is where the Oasis Beach Tower has positioned itself in design and service terms. High speed panoramic elevators whisk guests up to the apartments that look great but are functional too, with walk-in cupboard space areas, a storage room as well as
56
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
57
and the opportunity that managing this new property offers. “To build up a completely new customer base is the essence of the job,” says Weber. No stranger to the region, he first came to Dubai in 1975 and can therefore ideally comment on the changes and future trends in the hospitality industry of Dubai. “What characterises Dubai is that the hotels enjoy very high occupancies”, comments Weber. “In the 1970’s to 80’s businessmen came here on the back of the oil boom, and then the move to tourism began with the establishment of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Since then we have seen an amazing development in tourism in Dubai. The corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) markets have boomed and Dubai is now well established as a golfing destination.” With Dubai’s expansion in tourism has come a depth in sophistication, and with the Oasis Beach Tower, this latest offering on the Jumeirah Beach strip is a case in point. Undoubtedly to become a popular venue for families who require spaciousness, as well as senior business people who utilise this thriving emirate as a base and need the benefits of a serviced apartment and access to quality services too. Either way it is a superior product which will become a benchmark for future products of this kind. Tel.: +9714 399 4444 www.oasisbeachtower.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Oasis Beach Tower.qxp
12/28/2006
5:00 PM
Page 1
Vertical Luxury The recently launched 45 storey Oasis Beach Tower, is conveniently located on the Jumeirah beach strip opposite the Oasis Beach Hotel. Close to the sea, it stands distinctly apart from the rest of the buildings that make up the Dubai Marina development. One of a kind in a discerning environment that demands luxury and service, this is an ultra-smart and sophisticated architectural icon of 21st century living in New Dubai.
Talk about modern contemporary living elevated to art. Here you have 180 furnished apartments that are spacious, thoughtfully designed, and boasting the latest branded gadgetry too. In all shapes and sizes, dictated no doubt by the stylish lines of the building itself, the two, three and four bedroom apartments are simply breathtaking. The apartments have fabulous views over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, whilst the four bedroom apartment’s kitchens have such awesome vistas that washing dishes there can never be a chore again. In line with the current clean lines, minimalist look and dark hard wood trends, the interior décor is perfect with the architecture of the apartments. No mess, no clutter – walls, upholstery and furniture contrast perfectly. As
an extra guest bathroom at the entrance. You get the feeling that these environments have been conceptualised to accommodate guests with a diversity of needs: Business travellers, families on holiday, short and long-term residents to Dubai who don’t want the stress of renting unfurnished property. With a set-up of this level, representing independent living with all the amenities of a hotel, relaxing in the modern day ‘chaise longue’ that takes pride of place in the master bedroom, is what you could find yourself spending time doing – in addition to reading, lazing or gazing at the sea view of course. In-apartment catering and laundry services are available through the Oasis Beach Hotel, and if you fancy cooking your own food, ordering all your supermarket needs through the concierge is possible. Lounging is ideal at the panoramic pool deck on the second floor. Set in a landscaped area which makes it look like a rock pool, it lends the environment a rarefied feel that guests are happy to pay a premium for. Beach access and a host of other facilities are available through the nearby Oasis Beach Hotel. It was a sound strategic move to combine the management of the Oasis Beach Hotel and the Oasis Beach Tower under veteran hotelier Martin Weber, who combines the synergies of the two properties for the benefit of each other. With 30 years in the business regionally, Weber “loves the challenge of change”
for the bathrooms, they reflect the elegance and minute attention to detail that has been devoted to every aspect of the Oasis Beach Tower. Beautifully appointed, all en suite, complete with quality toiletries that are replenished on a regular basis – these comprehensive living spaces are not merely standard, they are definitely in the luxury suite category. Where functionality and elegance meet is where the Oasis Beach Tower has positioned itself in design and service terms. High speed panoramic elevators whisk guests up to the apartments that look great but are functional too, with walk-in cupboard space areas, a storage room as well as
56
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
57
and the opportunity that managing this new property offers. “To build up a completely new customer base is the essence of the job,” says Weber. No stranger to the region, he first came to Dubai in 1975 and can therefore ideally comment on the changes and future trends in the hospitality industry of Dubai. “What characterises Dubai is that the hotels enjoy very high occupancies”, comments Weber. “In the 1970’s to 80’s businessmen came here on the back of the oil boom, and then the move to tourism began with the establishment of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Since then we have seen an amazing development in tourism in Dubai. The corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) markets have boomed and Dubai is now well established as a golfing destination.” With Dubai’s expansion in tourism has come a depth in sophistication, and with the Oasis Beach Tower, this latest offering on the Jumeirah Beach strip is a case in point. Undoubtedly to become a popular venue for families who require spaciousness, as well as senior business people who utilise this thriving emirate as a base and need the benefits of a serviced apartment and access to quality services too. Either way it is a superior product which will become a benchmark for future products of this kind. Tel.: +9714 399 4444 www.oasisbeachtower.com
Hotels & Hospitality
hilton creek - 6.qxp
12/28/2006
2:11 PM
Page 1
The Comfort of Style One-of-a-kind in Dubai - welcome to a boutique property that does not rely on sheer magnitude to pack a powerful hospitality punch.
Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie
In the most prime of locations, at the heart of Dubai's business district, welcome to the most stylish property in town. Catering to the international business traveller, its wealth of gourmet eateries set in striking architectural minimalist elegance, the Hilton Dubai Creek is a veritable landmark in the emirate’s sophisticated urban-scape. The property is well served by a passionate and dedicated hotelier whose 17 years of experience, in a total of nine different countries, have underscored the principles that underlie the success of the Hilton brand. Mark Deere is clearly proud of his position as General Manager of one of the most prestigious business hotels in Dubai and believes “This hotel aspires to reflect the lifestyle of our guests in its attention to detail and personal service. Combine this with a mix of signature restaurants, the stunning Creek skyline and the sharp, modern interiors and you create a unique end product that offers guests understated excellence.” In Dubai, for properties vying for size as a testament of power, here is a 154 room ‘boutique hotel’ that does not rely on sheer magnitude to impress or conquer occupancy wars. Hilton Dubai Creek is one of a kind in the city. The building and its interior was designed by Carlos Ott, the internationally renowned architect from Uruguay, who designed L'Opera de la Bastille in Paris, Toronto’s Simcoe Place and the National Bank of Dubai Building, amongst others. Impressive by its understated design, chrome and glass merge in tasteful synchrony. The lighting is artfully designed and all is uncluttered, meaningfully minimalist. This exudes a feeling of calm and tranquillity that is immediately captured throughout the hotel as a whole even when running at full capacity - which in view of its popularity - this hotel mostly does. Checking in is brisk, clearly demonstrating that the staff have been well trained in the archetypal 16 Hilton behavioural brand service standards. If you are a member of the Hilton Honours programme and have stayed at Hilton Dubai Creek before, chances are that you will be remembered upon entering. Deere elaborates on this by confirming that:
58
Best of Dubai
Verre by Gordon Ramsay
“We provide a personalised service that our guests have come to enjoy and expect. Sixty per cent of our guests are Hilton Honours members which highlights the exceptional level of service that we provide.” The hotel provides accommodation under the following four categories; Hilton guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms and suites. The deluxe and executive rooms are superb, 37 square meters of well appointed and comfortable spaciousness. Everything the business person could desire state-of-the-art internet technology, colour printer / scanner / fax in all rooms, scented toiletries in the marble bathrooms and a healthy fruit basket. Hilton Dubai Creek is now entirely accessible by wireless providing an added advantage to business guests. In addition, a special touch such as head, neck or even foot massages, in the comfort of the guest’s own room, is possible. “We will even provide you with a workout mat in the room and an exercise video if you can’t make it to the inhouse gym”, Deere explains. What better way to relax after a long or short haul journey? Deere emphasises the importance of a guest’s stay being restorative as well as functional. Clearly, much can be learned from excellent purveyors of service such as Hilton; with respect to understanding customer needs. The ‘brand promise’ he explains is “to establish equilibrium, to put back a little of what life takes out.” Deere is able to deliver this through his painstaking attention to detail, which is evident throughout the hotel; nothing is allowed to mar service levels. “Ever”, he adds.
Best of Dubai
59
The hotel has a gym and a temperature controlled roof top pool, with stunning views over the Creek. Sitting out there you could mistake it for the swimming deck on a cruise liner, with decking, bar and maritime style railings, minus the noise. The gastronomic edge of this property is legendary - a delicious attraction for both business travellers and Dubai residents alike. This reputation has been achieved by Gordon Ramsay, Britain’s inimitable ‘celebrity chef’. Verre @ Hilton Dubai Creek was Gordon Ramsay’s first overseas venture. As the director of all food and beverage outlets in the hotel, he is personally involved in the running of this restaurant too, with his protégé Executive Chef, Jason Whitelock, following Ramsay’s culinary vision to dizzying heights of gourmet art. The ‘Glasshouse’ Mediterranean Brasserie, just across the mezzanine from Verre, is a stylish all day dining Brasserie that allows guests to sample a true taste of the Mediterranean. It is hugely popular for its unique Friday Brunch that offers the discerning guest a choice between bubbly, Sangria and Pimms just to name a few. Definitely worth experiencing, particularly when access to the Hilton Dubai Creek will be made much easier with the imminent improvements to infrastructure. Once all the crossing developments over the Creek are completed, by the end of 2007, Deere wonders how he will be able to balance the needs of the hotel guests and the Dubai residents - a delightful quandary to be in when the rest of the cities’ General Managers fret about competition. Verre by Gordon Ramsay is Hilton Dubai Creek’s signature restaurant and definitely deserves to steal the limelight when it comes to reviews. There is both an a la carte menu and a fixed price ‘Menu Prestige’, made up of a selection of dishes from the a la carte menu. A further bonus is that the Sommelier Simone Luca Gagliardi can either select wine by the glass to accompany each course or by the bottle to accompany your meal. Gourmandises at Verre A pleasing start to our dinner was the ‘amuse bouche’ compliments of the chef, consisting of salmon and foie gras on wafer thin crisps, accompanied by a glass of Sancerre white wine. With eight starters and main dishes to choose from, and an
equal number of desserts, some to be recommended are the roasted sea scallops with caramelised five spices pork belly which melts in your mouth, the blue fin tuna seared and marinated carpaccio with pickled white radish, with a superb mildly spicy tang, and the dill marinated Scottish salmon with fried oysters, a novelty that clearly chefs of this calibre are not afraid to experiment with. For the main course we enjoyed the castaing duck breast with five spices turnips and Madeira jus, which was rare and well rested before being served, the fillet of wild sea bass with spaghetti of cucumber, cauliflower puree and caviar veloute, a healthy option, and a richer choice of pork belly, lentils, black pudding and pan fried foie gras. The slow cooking method allowed the protein to remain settled, making it extremely tender. For the fish dishes, the Chardonnay Margaret River Lower Estate was ideal - fruity and dry, and for the meat dishes the Pinotage Kannon Kop was full bodied and earthy. Presentation is key at Verre and it is clear that a great deal of time and effort is spent in creating such exquisite dishes. However, it is also vital that the plates are piping hot and gladly at Verre, this was the case. What also stood out was the knowledge the waiting staff had of the product, and the artistic presentation of each dish, depicting a gastronomic creativity that comes through both visually and taste-wise. The final culmination, the desserts, was a magnificent finale. Highly recommended is the chocolate fondant with milk ice cream. This was a truly delicious chocolate creation cleverly balanced with the lightness of milk ice cream. Another superb desert was the crème bruleé infused with basil, which was such an aromatically pleasant surprise, that eating crème bruleé sans basil will never be the same again. In a bid to banish the soulless alienation syndrome often felt by serial business travellers, hotels try and create a ‘home away from home’ image that fosters familiarity and hence, comfort. Having achieved this unparalleled elegance and mastered how to provide exceptional personal service with superb attention to detail, after a stay at the Hilton Dubai Creek, who would ever want to go home again? Tel.: +9714 227 1111 www.hilton.com
Hotels & Hospitality
hilton creek - 6.qxp
12/28/2006
2:11 PM
Page 1
The Comfort of Style One-of-a-kind in Dubai - welcome to a boutique property that does not rely on sheer magnitude to pack a powerful hospitality punch.
Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie
In the most prime of locations, at the heart of Dubai's business district, welcome to the most stylish property in town. Catering to the international business traveller, its wealth of gourmet eateries set in striking architectural minimalist elegance, the Hilton Dubai Creek is a veritable landmark in the emirate’s sophisticated urban-scape. The property is well served by a passionate and dedicated hotelier whose 17 years of experience, in a total of nine different countries, have underscored the principles that underlie the success of the Hilton brand. Mark Deere is clearly proud of his position as General Manager of one of the most prestigious business hotels in Dubai and believes “This hotel aspires to reflect the lifestyle of our guests in its attention to detail and personal service. Combine this with a mix of signature restaurants, the stunning Creek skyline and the sharp, modern interiors and you create a unique end product that offers guests understated excellence.” In Dubai, for properties vying for size as a testament of power, here is a 154 room ‘boutique hotel’ that does not rely on sheer magnitude to impress or conquer occupancy wars. Hilton Dubai Creek is one of a kind in the city. The building and its interior was designed by Carlos Ott, the internationally renowned architect from Uruguay, who designed L'Opera de la Bastille in Paris, Toronto’s Simcoe Place and the National Bank of Dubai Building, amongst others. Impressive by its understated design, chrome and glass merge in tasteful synchrony. The lighting is artfully designed and all is uncluttered, meaningfully minimalist. This exudes a feeling of calm and tranquillity that is immediately captured throughout the hotel as a whole even when running at full capacity - which in view of its popularity - this hotel mostly does. Checking in is brisk, clearly demonstrating that the staff have been well trained in the archetypal 16 Hilton behavioural brand service standards. If you are a member of the Hilton Honours programme and have stayed at Hilton Dubai Creek before, chances are that you will be remembered upon entering. Deere elaborates on this by confirming that:
58
Best of Dubai
Verre by Gordon Ramsay
“We provide a personalised service that our guests have come to enjoy and expect. Sixty per cent of our guests are Hilton Honours members which highlights the exceptional level of service that we provide.” The hotel provides accommodation under the following four categories; Hilton guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms and suites. The deluxe and executive rooms are superb, 37 square meters of well appointed and comfortable spaciousness. Everything the business person could desire state-of-the-art internet technology, colour printer / scanner / fax in all rooms, scented toiletries in the marble bathrooms and a healthy fruit basket. Hilton Dubai Creek is now entirely accessible by wireless providing an added advantage to business guests. In addition, a special touch such as head, neck or even foot massages, in the comfort of the guest’s own room, is possible. “We will even provide you with a workout mat in the room and an exercise video if you can’t make it to the inhouse gym”, Deere explains. What better way to relax after a long or short haul journey? Deere emphasises the importance of a guest’s stay being restorative as well as functional. Clearly, much can be learned from excellent purveyors of service such as Hilton; with respect to understanding customer needs. The ‘brand promise’ he explains is “to establish equilibrium, to put back a little of what life takes out.” Deere is able to deliver this through his painstaking attention to detail, which is evident throughout the hotel; nothing is allowed to mar service levels. “Ever”, he adds.
Best of Dubai
59
The hotel has a gym and a temperature controlled roof top pool, with stunning views over the Creek. Sitting out there you could mistake it for the swimming deck on a cruise liner, with decking, bar and maritime style railings, minus the noise. The gastronomic edge of this property is legendary - a delicious attraction for both business travellers and Dubai residents alike. This reputation has been achieved by Gordon Ramsay, Britain’s inimitable ‘celebrity chef’. Verre @ Hilton Dubai Creek was Gordon Ramsay’s first overseas venture. As the director of all food and beverage outlets in the hotel, he is personally involved in the running of this restaurant too, with his protégé Executive Chef, Jason Whitelock, following Ramsay’s culinary vision to dizzying heights of gourmet art. The ‘Glasshouse’ Mediterranean Brasserie, just across the mezzanine from Verre, is a stylish all day dining Brasserie that allows guests to sample a true taste of the Mediterranean. It is hugely popular for its unique Friday Brunch that offers the discerning guest a choice between bubbly, Sangria and Pimms just to name a few. Definitely worth experiencing, particularly when access to the Hilton Dubai Creek will be made much easier with the imminent improvements to infrastructure. Once all the crossing developments over the Creek are completed, by the end of 2007, Deere wonders how he will be able to balance the needs of the hotel guests and the Dubai residents - a delightful quandary to be in when the rest of the cities’ General Managers fret about competition. Verre by Gordon Ramsay is Hilton Dubai Creek’s signature restaurant and definitely deserves to steal the limelight when it comes to reviews. There is both an a la carte menu and a fixed price ‘Menu Prestige’, made up of a selection of dishes from the a la carte menu. A further bonus is that the Sommelier Simone Luca Gagliardi can either select wine by the glass to accompany each course or by the bottle to accompany your meal. Gourmandises at Verre A pleasing start to our dinner was the ‘amuse bouche’ compliments of the chef, consisting of salmon and foie gras on wafer thin crisps, accompanied by a glass of Sancerre white wine. With eight starters and main dishes to choose from, and an
equal number of desserts, some to be recommended are the roasted sea scallops with caramelised five spices pork belly which melts in your mouth, the blue fin tuna seared and marinated carpaccio with pickled white radish, with a superb mildly spicy tang, and the dill marinated Scottish salmon with fried oysters, a novelty that clearly chefs of this calibre are not afraid to experiment with. For the main course we enjoyed the castaing duck breast with five spices turnips and Madeira jus, which was rare and well rested before being served, the fillet of wild sea bass with spaghetti of cucumber, cauliflower puree and caviar veloute, a healthy option, and a richer choice of pork belly, lentils, black pudding and pan fried foie gras. The slow cooking method allowed the protein to remain settled, making it extremely tender. For the fish dishes, the Chardonnay Margaret River Lower Estate was ideal - fruity and dry, and for the meat dishes the Pinotage Kannon Kop was full bodied and earthy. Presentation is key at Verre and it is clear that a great deal of time and effort is spent in creating such exquisite dishes. However, it is also vital that the plates are piping hot and gladly at Verre, this was the case. What also stood out was the knowledge the waiting staff had of the product, and the artistic presentation of each dish, depicting a gastronomic creativity that comes through both visually and taste-wise. The final culmination, the desserts, was a magnificent finale. Highly recommended is the chocolate fondant with milk ice cream. This was a truly delicious chocolate creation cleverly balanced with the lightness of milk ice cream. Another superb desert was the crème bruleé infused with basil, which was such an aromatically pleasant surprise, that eating crème bruleé sans basil will never be the same again. In a bid to banish the soulless alienation syndrome often felt by serial business travellers, hotels try and create a ‘home away from home’ image that fosters familiarity and hence, comfort. Having achieved this unparalleled elegance and mastered how to provide exceptional personal service with superb attention to detail, after a stay at the Hilton Dubai Creek, who would ever want to go home again? Tel.: +9714 227 1111 www.hilton.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Mountain Solace By Dubai standards, the Hatta Fort Hotel is small with its 50 chalet-style rooms, but of them all, it has the biggest story to tell.
The Emirate’s most exclusive mountain retreat, the Hatta Fort Hotel is an 80acre, oasis of relaxation, offering the perfect break from city life.
Why it first came into being is a tale unto itself. The late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a frequent visitor to Hatta in the 1970’s, built a small palace there to get away from the humidity of the city. The dry climate and peaceful surroundings of this pristine mountain oasis were ideal, until the increasing entourage of those who wanted to meet him made life hectic. His solution was to ask Mr. Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport Company (DUTCO), if he would build a hotel on the adjacent property to accommodate these visitors. The project started in 1977 and was completed in 1981. The rest is history. On several fronts, the Hatta Fort Hotel is unique. Among the first hotels to be built in Dubai, it was the first to be located an hour out of town in the middle of the Hajar mountains, close to the Omani border. Ensconced in an 80-acre estate with every amenity you could wish for – two temperature controlled pools, gym, skeet and trap clay pigeon shooting, two floodlit tennis courts, beauty centre, golf driving range and practice green - it has retained a distinctive character that has endeared it to the hearts of Dubai residents,
Sergio Magnaldi General Manager Hatta Fort Hotel
conference organisers and tourists alike. With manic hotel development in Dubai slicing into market shares and guests’ tendency towards novelty and variety, retaining this pride of place has not been easy. Sergio Magnaldi, the hotel’s ebullient Italian general manager, says “This mountain retreat has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I even feel that I have put the hotel before my family. They say my personality has left an indelible stamp on the Fort’s character – or vice versa. Who knows?” With the feel of an exclusive lodge, the chalet-style and deluxe chalet-style bedrooms have an almost African feel
60
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
61
to them. Indeed in the lobby, there are bronzes of gazelles and lions on natural rock formations that blend with the natural decor. Comfortably pleasing interiors aside, as a ‘Relais & Châteaux’ listed property; great attention is paid to the hotel’s ‘gourmet experience’. Dinner is served in the ‘Jeema’ restaurant, where Chef Savio offers a wide choice catering to diverse tastes. Prices are reasonable by Dubai standards and the success of the restaurant can be judged by the repeat business the establishment gets from Dubai residents who drive especially all the way to the Hatta Fort Hotel for the Caesar Salad, Snails, Chateaubriand and the Lobster Thermidor. Breakfast and lunch are served in the newly refurbished Café Gazebo that overlooks the picturesque residents’ pool, with the stunning mountains as a backdrop. “Although I trust my staff implicitly, I am obsessively hands-on in my management style. For me, upholding standards is more important than setting new ones. There is no need to advocate change for the sake of change, our menu is tried and tested, the response has been consistently excellent over the years and that’s the way we want to proceed”, he explains. Café Gazebo also features a beautiful terrace area for guests that prefer an al fresco experience and in the evenings, the Roumoul Cocktail Bar offers a choice of nightcaps which can be enjoyed either before or after dinner. The Hatta Fort Hotel has by default become an eco-friendly hotel. The hotel has set up its own water recycling plant, and all waste water is used for watering the gardens. The plant also
desalinates well water, and a fleet of tankers supplies the rest of the hotel’s water needs. Although it is compact, the Hatta Fort Hotel is bustling, and on Fridays serves up to a thousand meals. Apart from the residents who enjoy their own facilities, such as the swimming pool, there are plenty of tour companies that stop by for lunch and a swim at the new ‘Rock Pool’ swimming pool and restaurant area. “We are lucky; business is steady throughout the year, even in the summer, the climate is so dry that the hot air is not the least bit uncomfortable”, he says. With conferences and incentives a large part of their business, the Hatta Fort Hotel has developed successfully given its relative remoteness and stand-alone resort positioning. A dedicated facility equipped with all the latest visual aids and plenty of meeting rooms is a firm favourite with organisers from the region and worldwide. The Abami Activity Centre operates the ‘Team, Leadership and Management Development Centre’ within in the grounds of the hotel, where climbing walls and obstacles create outdoor experiential learning programmes that mirror real situations in the workplace. So, all in all the Hatta Fort Hotel has got something for everyone. If you are tired with the beach, overwhelmed by the malls and are looking for a haven of peace and tranquillity, this should be your destination. Beware to book well ahead as it remains as popular, if not more so, than ever before. Tel.: +9714 852 3211 www.jebelali-international.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Mountain Solace By Dubai standards, the Hatta Fort Hotel is small with its 50 chalet-style rooms, but of them all, it has the biggest story to tell.
The Emirate’s most exclusive mountain retreat, the Hatta Fort Hotel is an 80acre, oasis of relaxation, offering the perfect break from city life.
Why it first came into being is a tale unto itself. The late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a frequent visitor to Hatta in the 1970’s, built a small palace there to get away from the humidity of the city. The dry climate and peaceful surroundings of this pristine mountain oasis were ideal, until the increasing entourage of those who wanted to meet him made life hectic. His solution was to ask Mr. Ahmed Baker, Chairman of Dubai Transport Company (DUTCO), if he would build a hotel on the adjacent property to accommodate these visitors. The project started in 1977 and was completed in 1981. The rest is history. On several fronts, the Hatta Fort Hotel is unique. Among the first hotels to be built in Dubai, it was the first to be located an hour out of town in the middle of the Hajar mountains, close to the Omani border. Ensconced in an 80-acre estate with every amenity you could wish for – two temperature controlled pools, gym, skeet and trap clay pigeon shooting, two floodlit tennis courts, beauty centre, golf driving range and practice green - it has retained a distinctive character that has endeared it to the hearts of Dubai residents,
Sergio Magnaldi General Manager Hatta Fort Hotel
conference organisers and tourists alike. With manic hotel development in Dubai slicing into market shares and guests’ tendency towards novelty and variety, retaining this pride of place has not been easy. Sergio Magnaldi, the hotel’s ebullient Italian general manager, says “This mountain retreat has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I even feel that I have put the hotel before my family. They say my personality has left an indelible stamp on the Fort’s character – or vice versa. Who knows?” With the feel of an exclusive lodge, the chalet-style and deluxe chalet-style bedrooms have an almost African feel
60
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
61
to them. Indeed in the lobby, there are bronzes of gazelles and lions on natural rock formations that blend with the natural decor. Comfortably pleasing interiors aside, as a ‘Relais & Châteaux’ listed property; great attention is paid to the hotel’s ‘gourmet experience’. Dinner is served in the ‘Jeema’ restaurant, where Chef Savio offers a wide choice catering to diverse tastes. Prices are reasonable by Dubai standards and the success of the restaurant can be judged by the repeat business the establishment gets from Dubai residents who drive especially all the way to the Hatta Fort Hotel for the Caesar Salad, Snails, Chateaubriand and the Lobster Thermidor. Breakfast and lunch are served in the newly refurbished Café Gazebo that overlooks the picturesque residents’ pool, with the stunning mountains as a backdrop. “Although I trust my staff implicitly, I am obsessively hands-on in my management style. For me, upholding standards is more important than setting new ones. There is no need to advocate change for the sake of change, our menu is tried and tested, the response has been consistently excellent over the years and that’s the way we want to proceed”, he explains. Café Gazebo also features a beautiful terrace area for guests that prefer an al fresco experience and in the evenings, the Roumoul Cocktail Bar offers a choice of nightcaps which can be enjoyed either before or after dinner. The Hatta Fort Hotel has by default become an eco-friendly hotel. The hotel has set up its own water recycling plant, and all waste water is used for watering the gardens. The plant also
desalinates well water, and a fleet of tankers supplies the rest of the hotel’s water needs. Although it is compact, the Hatta Fort Hotel is bustling, and on Fridays serves up to a thousand meals. Apart from the residents who enjoy their own facilities, such as the swimming pool, there are plenty of tour companies that stop by for lunch and a swim at the new ‘Rock Pool’ swimming pool and restaurant area. “We are lucky; business is steady throughout the year, even in the summer, the climate is so dry that the hot air is not the least bit uncomfortable”, he says. With conferences and incentives a large part of their business, the Hatta Fort Hotel has developed successfully given its relative remoteness and stand-alone resort positioning. A dedicated facility equipped with all the latest visual aids and plenty of meeting rooms is a firm favourite with organisers from the region and worldwide. The Abami Activity Centre operates the ‘Team, Leadership and Management Development Centre’ within in the grounds of the hotel, where climbing walls and obstacles create outdoor experiential learning programmes that mirror real situations in the workplace. So, all in all the Hatta Fort Hotel has got something for everyone. If you are tired with the beach, overwhelmed by the malls and are looking for a haven of peace and tranquillity, this should be your destination. Beware to book well ahead as it remains as popular, if not more so, than ever before. Tel.: +9714 852 3211 www.jebelali-international.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Hilton Jumeirah.qxp
12/28/2006
2:15 PM
Page 1
Hospitality Passion Whenever you stay at any Hilton Hotel, you are bound to experience a Hilton ‘moment’. This allows guests to recall an indelible memory, however small, that characterises the impeccable service guaranteed in each of the 2,800 Hilton properties globally.
Pachanga Restaurant
Pachanga is a fabulous restaurant with excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes from South America
Standardisation reigns supreme in the world’s largest hotel chain. This does not imply monotony. On the contrary, it guarantees consistent, unflinching fabulous service. From the moment you walk into any Hilton property you can be sure of seamless efficiency rendered with a smile. This is true of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, one of the emirate’s veritable stalwarts ensconced on the new Jumeirah coastline, a stone’s throw away from a variety of free zones, golf courses, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and assorted real estate developments of every ilk. The aptly named ‘Hilton moment’ is not arrived upon by chance; it is a brand promise that is reiterated by General Manager Christian H. Muhr with conviction. “The building blocks that lead to this are consistency, hassle free experience and personalised service”, he says. Built in 2000, this 10 floor, 389 room property, including 56 suites, does not need to rely on awesome architecture or a zany themed concept to set it apart. The quality of service and standards in place allow this property to remain extremely popular, retaining widespread kudos despite ferocious competition and manic hotel development elsewhere. Outstanding services, food and beverage outlets notwithstanding, the key to this success is actually when the key card first goes into the appropriate slot. Always an occasion of anticipation tinged with excitement, peering around the door to see what your home for the next few days is going to be like is never a disappointment at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. The first impression is excellent with spotless, well appointed and spacious rooms that are luxuriously
62
Best of Dubai
Pachanga Restaurant
Best of Dubai
63
comfortable as well as functional, reflective of the many types of guests that patronise this sea facing property. Whether it’s for business or tourism, nothing satisfies like a panoramic view and at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, great vistas are guaranteed. This is because the property is designed so that a large proportion of the rooms, in addition to the 56 sumptuous suites, enjoy a view of the Arabian sea. As for the bathrooms, they are marbled and utterly beautiful – replete with branded toiletries that push the Hilton experience up yet another notch. If you are lucky enough to stay in one of the suites, they are sensational, ultra luxurious and extremely spacious, with wrap around views of the Arabian Gulf. Below are the manicured gardens of the hotel, beach umbrellas and deck chairs tempting you outdoors into the fresh sea air and sunshine – never lacking in Dubai. It is a short stroll down to the beachfront where you can step on to the pristine sands and take a dip in the calm, clear blue waters. In addition, a spacious temperaturecontrolled swimming pool creates an idyllic environment that allows complete rest and relaxation. The Food and Beverage elements of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah are second to none in terms of quality of food and inimitable ambience. With six different places to enjoy - Wavebreaker, a beach-side favourite, Pergola Terrace, a poolside eatery, Oceana, an all day dining restaurant , Studio One, where you can catch all the latest sports action, and the superlative signature outlets Bice, including Bice Sky Bar, and Pachanga – you are spoilt for choice. Whilst Bice is special, the concept is well known in Milan, Tokyo and New York, and has also been successfully launched in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai it is especially popular with non-residents and residents alike, and is packed every night. One of the secrets of its success is that it is run by a seasoned restaurateur, as opposed to a hotelier, and Roberto Rella, the effervescent Maitre d’ welcomes everyone by name, even if he hasn’t seen them in months! The food is excellent; traditional Italian fare that passes the quality test for real Italians too. In this respect, the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has been successful in maintaining a healthy mix of tourist and non-resident business, by offering authentic cuisine from around the world. This is in stark contrast to some of the other hotels on Dubai’s ‘Golden Strip’ that have concentrated on foreign guests and overtly gimmicky concepts
to the exclusion of the increasingly discerning local business category. Another firm favourite has to be ‘Pachanga’, a Latin American style restaurant that seats up to 80 guests with typical dishes from Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. The décor is genuinely themed which is similarly reflected in the style of the Cuban Bar, which features traditional wooden shuttering, Cuban style furniture, an excellent selection of Cuban rums, a wide variety of cigars and great music! Pachanga also boasts a secret winning ingredient - an all South American team. Chef David Contreras from Argentina, Maitre d’ Wadim Alvarez and his assistant Andrea, both Brazilian – add a frisson of authenticity in a food and beverage scenario that is sometimes sorely unoriginal here in Dubai. Aside from the delicious and fairly priced food, if you are lucky enough to go on a Wednesday night, you will be enraptured by the local Tango Club. With excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes native to Latin America it is impossible not to love the place! A firm favourite is the ‘churasco’. This unique Brazilian dish is a meal within itself and offers a selection of different ‘melt in your mouth’ meats grilled on a long skewer carved directly on to your plate served with wines ideally from either from Chile or Argentina. The Argentine wines have improved enormously over the last ten years, having imported the latest technologies from Europe. One wine we enjoyed was called ‘Clos de los Siete’ by Michel Rollard, made from a blend of seven different types of grapes – flavoursome and delicate at the same time. When asked how he was able to achieve a positive balance of keeping both customers and staff happy, Muhr, explained that “providing excellent food and service will not work unless you have an excellent team in place.” He explained the so-called ‘esprit philosophy’ of his domain, which characterises the spirit of Hilton culture: “only those that feel valued, can add value”. His first obligation was to “embed the Hilton philosophy into the team members” and with training this pays off, as staff turnover is relatively low compared to other hotels nearby. Despite rampant competition in Dubai, Hilton feels confident about the future. They have been in the UAE for over 30 years, and therefore know the market and how quickly it can change. With the planned tourist projections and the number of rooms expected to triple over the next five years this will force
Hotels & Hospitality
Hilton Jumeirah.qxp
12/28/2006
2:15 PM
Page 1
Hospitality Passion Whenever you stay at any Hilton Hotel, you are bound to experience a Hilton ‘moment’. This allows guests to recall an indelible memory, however small, that characterises the impeccable service guaranteed in each of the 2,800 Hilton properties globally.
Pachanga Restaurant
Pachanga is a fabulous restaurant with excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes from South America
Standardisation reigns supreme in the world’s largest hotel chain. This does not imply monotony. On the contrary, it guarantees consistent, unflinching fabulous service. From the moment you walk into any Hilton property you can be sure of seamless efficiency rendered with a smile. This is true of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, one of the emirate’s veritable stalwarts ensconced on the new Jumeirah coastline, a stone’s throw away from a variety of free zones, golf courses, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and assorted real estate developments of every ilk. The aptly named ‘Hilton moment’ is not arrived upon by chance; it is a brand promise that is reiterated by General Manager Christian H. Muhr with conviction. “The building blocks that lead to this are consistency, hassle free experience and personalised service”, he says. Built in 2000, this 10 floor, 389 room property, including 56 suites, does not need to rely on awesome architecture or a zany themed concept to set it apart. The quality of service and standards in place allow this property to remain extremely popular, retaining widespread kudos despite ferocious competition and manic hotel development elsewhere. Outstanding services, food and beverage outlets notwithstanding, the key to this success is actually when the key card first goes into the appropriate slot. Always an occasion of anticipation tinged with excitement, peering around the door to see what your home for the next few days is going to be like is never a disappointment at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. The first impression is excellent with spotless, well appointed and spacious rooms that are luxuriously
62
Best of Dubai
Pachanga Restaurant
Best of Dubai
63
comfortable as well as functional, reflective of the many types of guests that patronise this sea facing property. Whether it’s for business or tourism, nothing satisfies like a panoramic view and at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, great vistas are guaranteed. This is because the property is designed so that a large proportion of the rooms, in addition to the 56 sumptuous suites, enjoy a view of the Arabian sea. As for the bathrooms, they are marbled and utterly beautiful – replete with branded toiletries that push the Hilton experience up yet another notch. If you are lucky enough to stay in one of the suites, they are sensational, ultra luxurious and extremely spacious, with wrap around views of the Arabian Gulf. Below are the manicured gardens of the hotel, beach umbrellas and deck chairs tempting you outdoors into the fresh sea air and sunshine – never lacking in Dubai. It is a short stroll down to the beachfront where you can step on to the pristine sands and take a dip in the calm, clear blue waters. In addition, a spacious temperaturecontrolled swimming pool creates an idyllic environment that allows complete rest and relaxation. The Food and Beverage elements of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah are second to none in terms of quality of food and inimitable ambience. With six different places to enjoy - Wavebreaker, a beach-side favourite, Pergola Terrace, a poolside eatery, Oceana, an all day dining restaurant , Studio One, where you can catch all the latest sports action, and the superlative signature outlets Bice, including Bice Sky Bar, and Pachanga – you are spoilt for choice. Whilst Bice is special, the concept is well known in Milan, Tokyo and New York, and has also been successfully launched in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai it is especially popular with non-residents and residents alike, and is packed every night. One of the secrets of its success is that it is run by a seasoned restaurateur, as opposed to a hotelier, and Roberto Rella, the effervescent Maitre d’ welcomes everyone by name, even if he hasn’t seen them in months! The food is excellent; traditional Italian fare that passes the quality test for real Italians too. In this respect, the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has been successful in maintaining a healthy mix of tourist and non-resident business, by offering authentic cuisine from around the world. This is in stark contrast to some of the other hotels on Dubai’s ‘Golden Strip’ that have concentrated on foreign guests and overtly gimmicky concepts
to the exclusion of the increasingly discerning local business category. Another firm favourite has to be ‘Pachanga’, a Latin American style restaurant that seats up to 80 guests with typical dishes from Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. The décor is genuinely themed which is similarly reflected in the style of the Cuban Bar, which features traditional wooden shuttering, Cuban style furniture, an excellent selection of Cuban rums, a wide variety of cigars and great music! Pachanga also boasts a secret winning ingredient - an all South American team. Chef David Contreras from Argentina, Maitre d’ Wadim Alvarez and his assistant Andrea, both Brazilian – add a frisson of authenticity in a food and beverage scenario that is sometimes sorely unoriginal here in Dubai. Aside from the delicious and fairly priced food, if you are lucky enough to go on a Wednesday night, you will be enraptured by the local Tango Club. With excellent fare featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes native to Latin America it is impossible not to love the place! A firm favourite is the ‘churasco’. This unique Brazilian dish is a meal within itself and offers a selection of different ‘melt in your mouth’ meats grilled on a long skewer carved directly on to your plate served with wines ideally from either from Chile or Argentina. The Argentine wines have improved enormously over the last ten years, having imported the latest technologies from Europe. One wine we enjoyed was called ‘Clos de los Siete’ by Michel Rollard, made from a blend of seven different types of grapes – flavoursome and delicate at the same time. When asked how he was able to achieve a positive balance of keeping both customers and staff happy, Muhr, explained that “providing excellent food and service will not work unless you have an excellent team in place.” He explained the so-called ‘esprit philosophy’ of his domain, which characterises the spirit of Hilton culture: “only those that feel valued, can add value”. His first obligation was to “embed the Hilton philosophy into the team members” and with training this pays off, as staff turnover is relatively low compared to other hotels nearby. Despite rampant competition in Dubai, Hilton feels confident about the future. They have been in the UAE for over 30 years, and therefore know the market and how quickly it can change. With the planned tourist projections and the number of rooms expected to triple over the next five years this will force
Hilton Jumeirah.qxp
12/28/2006
2:15 PM
Page 3
Shining Sheraton The Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is a beautiful resort located on the white sands of Jumeirah Beach, surrounded by landscaped gardens that boast more than 150 palm trees.
In future there will be more themed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract the numbers that Dubai hopes to acheive.
hoteliers to constantly adapt, refine and reinvent. With this in mind, Hilton, whose current Dubai portfolio stands at two properties, are planning to expand with a beach club next door to the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and a new property on the Palm close by. In addition, following the re-marriage and merger of Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International, a Conrad Hotel in Dubai is also on the cards as well as the possibility of three and four star chains . Muhr is confident that Hilton will continue to play its part and help Dubai achieve its goals of tourism pre-eminence. “With 30 per cent of our business as repeat business, we are happy with the excellent ‘Hilton Honours’ programme that ensures that guests keep returning”, he explains. “Dubai is no longer a single destination; it is becoming a number of unique and different destinations – with sea, shopping, culture, sports and themed activities underscoring this expansion”. Thanks to the Government’s effective segmentation and brand positioning, the massive infrastructural investment that underpins this is transforming the face of Dubai. With “so much more for tourists to do, see and experience here, they will have to come again and again to see it all”, Muhr adds. He also thinks that there will be more themed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract the numbers that Dubai hopes to achieve. “Responding to the needs of the market is the only way to forge ahead”, he feels. Even though the only constant in life is change, one thing that you can be sure of is that the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah will maintain its impeccable standards through thick and thin and its guests will continue to experience that idyllic ‘Hilton moment’ whenever they come to stay. That’s a Hilton promise...Guaranteed.
One of the first hotel landmarks on the Jumeirah strip that is fast becoming one of the region’s most sought after luxury destinations, the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is a beautiful haven of tranquality located on the white sands of Jumeirah Beach. Surrounded by landscaped gardens that boast more than 150 palm trees, the hotel has 256 stunning and beautiful guest rooms that are newly decorated in a cool and fresh Mediterranean style. There are over seven outlets, from the contemporary Chinese at the Peacock and the fine dining Grill Room serving steaks and seafood, to the open buffet and a la carte restaurant Palm Garden. In addition, the Moods bar located at the lobby of the hotel offers daily live entertainment with snacks included to boot. Sheraton Jumeirah is minutes away from the world-famous Emirates Golf Club and close to Dubai’s Media City as well as Internet City. The hotel is only 25 kms from the city centre and 30 kms from Dubai International Airport. It’s obviously convenient from all corners, so a visit can never be amiss.
Tel: +9714 399 1111 www.hilton.com
Tel.: +9714 399 5533 www.sheraton.com
64
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
65
Hilton Jumeirah.qxp
12/28/2006
2:15 PM
Page 3
Shining Sheraton The Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is a beautiful resort located on the white sands of Jumeirah Beach, surrounded by landscaped gardens that boast more than 150 palm trees.
In future there will be more themed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract the numbers that Dubai hopes to acheive.
hoteliers to constantly adapt, refine and reinvent. With this in mind, Hilton, whose current Dubai portfolio stands at two properties, are planning to expand with a beach club next door to the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and a new property on the Palm close by. In addition, following the re-marriage and merger of Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International, a Conrad Hotel in Dubai is also on the cards as well as the possibility of three and four star chains . Muhr is confident that Hilton will continue to play its part and help Dubai achieve its goals of tourism pre-eminence. “With 30 per cent of our business as repeat business, we are happy with the excellent ‘Hilton Honours’ programme that ensures that guests keep returning”, he explains. “Dubai is no longer a single destination; it is becoming a number of unique and different destinations – with sea, shopping, culture, sports and themed activities underscoring this expansion”. Thanks to the Government’s effective segmentation and brand positioning, the massive infrastructural investment that underpins this is transforming the face of Dubai. With “so much more for tourists to do, see and experience here, they will have to come again and again to see it all”, Muhr adds. He also thinks that there will be more themed hotels, and more three and four star hotels will be needed to attract the numbers that Dubai hopes to achieve. “Responding to the needs of the market is the only way to forge ahead”, he feels. Even though the only constant in life is change, one thing that you can be sure of is that the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah will maintain its impeccable standards through thick and thin and its guests will continue to experience that idyllic ‘Hilton moment’ whenever they come to stay. That’s a Hilton promise...Guaranteed.
One of the first hotel landmarks on the Jumeirah strip that is fast becoming one of the region’s most sought after luxury destinations, the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers is a beautiful haven of tranquality located on the white sands of Jumeirah Beach. Surrounded by landscaped gardens that boast more than 150 palm trees, the hotel has 256 stunning and beautiful guest rooms that are newly decorated in a cool and fresh Mediterranean style. There are over seven outlets, from the contemporary Chinese at the Peacock and the fine dining Grill Room serving steaks and seafood, to the open buffet and a la carte restaurant Palm Garden. In addition, the Moods bar located at the lobby of the hotel offers daily live entertainment with snacks included to boot. Sheraton Jumeirah is minutes away from the world-famous Emirates Golf Club and close to Dubai’s Media City as well as Internet City. The hotel is only 25 kms from the city centre and 30 kms from Dubai International Airport. It’s obviously convenient from all corners, so a visit can never be amiss.
Tel: +9714 399 1111 www.hilton.com
Tel.: +9714 399 5533 www.sheraton.com
64
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
65
Hotels & Hospitality
Coral Boutque C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:54 PM
Page 1
Home away from home The Dubai government has predicted the emirate will welcome 15 million tourists by 2015. While new hotels are constantly being launched to offset the current lack of room availability, visitors to the city now have a luxurious alternative.
Coral Boutique Villas
66
Best of Dubai
In a quest for constant innovation, in response to guest's needs in line with global hospitality trends; instead of mere hotel accommodation, Coral Boutique Villas and Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments have gone one step further. "Our challenge is to offer a home away from home where our guest does not have the feeling they are staying in a hotel," explains Coral General Manager Chahnaz Gayraud. "They can step outside their house or apartment with a lavish variety of ways to refresh, relax and recharge without the feeling they stepped out." A short drive from Jumeirah Beach, Coral Boutique Villas is ideal for families visiting Dubai looking for a haven replete with the luxuries, plus many more, of being at home. Idyllically located in a surprisingly serene environment adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates - home to a plethora of boutiques and the world-renowned Ski Dubai indoor ski centre to boot Coral Boutique Villas consists of thirty 351 square metre luxury houses,
Best of Dubai
67
each with four spacious bedrooms and ensuite bathroom. All mod cons abound - The villas are equipped with two plasma TVs, three flat screen TV and a DVD player. In the kitchen, there is a fully fitted kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, dish washing machine and washing machine and dryer, while security is assured with a safety deposit box, private entrance and two-car parking area. There are also a separate maid's lodging with bathroom if required. Of course, Coral Boutique Villas also offer all the amenities expected from a luxury hotel. WiFi internet is accessible over the whole property for business and keeping in touch, while leisure facilities include a swimming pool and children's pool, fitness centre and the exclusive Murjan Spa, with the finest rejuvenating therapies to work away the stress of a long day. For relaxation and dining, guests can choose between the snacks and beverages offered at the 24-hour Rumours Café, the outside barbecue facilities and juice bar as well as the outdoor shisha lounge. All this complemented with a daily housekeeping service and on call elite butler service, 24-hour room service and 24-hour security personnel as well. For the solo traveller or the guest looking for something a little smaller, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments offer one bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites, each with a comfortable living room, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, supplying the same quality standards as the Boutique Villas at the same location. The apartments also guarantee guest's daily housekeeping, 24-hours room service, broadband internet access, private secure parking, a safety deposit box, an automatic shoeshine machine, valet parking, wake-up calls, babysitting services on request, laundry/dry cleaning services and a rent-a-car desk. "Both properties," says Gayraud, "share the same vision, the same friendly atmosphere and the same personal service to the guest." With more than 23 years in the hospitality industry, and expertise and competence that has seen her contribute a great deal of success to hotels and cruise liners in Paris, Monte Carlo, Santa Barbara, Arizona
Hotels & Hospitality
Coral Boutque C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:54 PM
Page 1
Home away from home The Dubai government has predicted the emirate will welcome 15 million tourists by 2015. While new hotels are constantly being launched to offset the current lack of room availability, visitors to the city now have a luxurious alternative.
Coral Boutique Villas
66
Best of Dubai
In a quest for constant innovation, in response to guest's needs in line with global hospitality trends; instead of mere hotel accommodation, Coral Boutique Villas and Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments have gone one step further. "Our challenge is to offer a home away from home where our guest does not have the feeling they are staying in a hotel," explains Coral General Manager Chahnaz Gayraud. "They can step outside their house or apartment with a lavish variety of ways to refresh, relax and recharge without the feeling they stepped out." A short drive from Jumeirah Beach, Coral Boutique Villas is ideal for families visiting Dubai looking for a haven replete with the luxuries, plus many more, of being at home. Idyllically located in a surprisingly serene environment adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates - home to a plethora of boutiques and the world-renowned Ski Dubai indoor ski centre to boot Coral Boutique Villas consists of thirty 351 square metre luxury houses,
Best of Dubai
67
each with four spacious bedrooms and ensuite bathroom. All mod cons abound - The villas are equipped with two plasma TVs, three flat screen TV and a DVD player. In the kitchen, there is a fully fitted kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, dish washing machine and washing machine and dryer, while security is assured with a safety deposit box, private entrance and two-car parking area. There are also a separate maid's lodging with bathroom if required. Of course, Coral Boutique Villas also offer all the amenities expected from a luxury hotel. WiFi internet is accessible over the whole property for business and keeping in touch, while leisure facilities include a swimming pool and children's pool, fitness centre and the exclusive Murjan Spa, with the finest rejuvenating therapies to work away the stress of a long day. For relaxation and dining, guests can choose between the snacks and beverages offered at the 24-hour Rumours Café, the outside barbecue facilities and juice bar as well as the outdoor shisha lounge. All this complemented with a daily housekeeping service and on call elite butler service, 24-hour room service and 24-hour security personnel as well. For the solo traveller or the guest looking for something a little smaller, Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments offer one bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites, each with a comfortable living room, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, supplying the same quality standards as the Boutique Villas at the same location. The apartments also guarantee guest's daily housekeeping, 24-hours room service, broadband internet access, private secure parking, a safety deposit box, an automatic shoeshine machine, valet parking, wake-up calls, babysitting services on request, laundry/dry cleaning services and a rent-a-car desk. "Both properties," says Gayraud, "share the same vision, the same friendly atmosphere and the same personal service to the guest." With more than 23 years in the hospitality industry, and expertise and competence that has seen her contribute a great deal of success to hotels and cruise liners in Paris, Monte Carlo, Santa Barbara, Arizona
Coral Boutque C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:54 PM
Page 3
Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments
and Bangalore, Gayraud is well placed to comment on what it is attracting the tourist and business dollar into Dubai. "Dubai is a very popular destination and the fastest growing place on Earth", she argues. "This region boasts some of the best hotels in the world and it is a pleasure to work at the heart of its growth." As Dubai’s tourism grows, and segments evolve, so too does its hotel market, with new developments popping up with amazing regularity. This expansion has engendered healthy competition and the ultimate realisation that maintaining excellent standards in service is imperative. "We definitely follow international standards in terms of innovation", stresses Gayraud. "In terms of services we are efficient and personalised, making the guest feel at home." This proactive guest-friendly attitude is emphasised when the future is taken into consideration. "My goal is to make my properties a unique place to live in with the feeling not of being a hotel guest, but instead of being a resident enjoying their second home." Playing a major role in achieving these goals is a unique branding strategy adopted by the group. "Coral International is a regional hotel company that has really come into its own since its creation", explains Gayraud, emphasizing how the strategies employed so far have been hugely successful in winning market share. "Families from all over the world are choosing us because of our safe environment", she adds. This is coupled by her hands-on and visible approach to management and an ability to motivate staff to provide the best possible service by following her 'can-do' approach to satisfying guest requirements. Arguably, the greatest advertisement for Coral Boutique Villas and Hotel Apartments, however, comes from Gayraud herself. With all the opportunities that Dubai has to offer, at the end of a long day there is only one place she wants to be. "Murjan Spa in Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments is my favourite place because I can simply pamper every inch of my body", she says. "The friendly atmosphere helps me look after my physical, mental and spiritual needs and is the perfect way to recover from the daily stress of being a busy GM." Now who can argue with that? Tel.: +9714 402 8888 (Boutique Villas) Tel.: +9714 340 6700 (Hotel Apt.) www.coral-international.com
Murjan Coral Signature Spa
Best of Dubai
68
Best of Dubai
69
Coral Boutque C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:54 PM
Page 3
Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments
and Bangalore, Gayraud is well placed to comment on what it is attracting the tourist and business dollar into Dubai. "Dubai is a very popular destination and the fastest growing place on Earth", she argues. "This region boasts some of the best hotels in the world and it is a pleasure to work at the heart of its growth." As Dubai’s tourism grows, and segments evolve, so too does its hotel market, with new developments popping up with amazing regularity. This expansion has engendered healthy competition and the ultimate realisation that maintaining excellent standards in service is imperative. "We definitely follow international standards in terms of innovation", stresses Gayraud. "In terms of services we are efficient and personalised, making the guest feel at home." This proactive guest-friendly attitude is emphasised when the future is taken into consideration. "My goal is to make my properties a unique place to live in with the feeling not of being a hotel guest, but instead of being a resident enjoying their second home." Playing a major role in achieving these goals is a unique branding strategy adopted by the group. "Coral International is a regional hotel company that has really come into its own since its creation", explains Gayraud, emphasizing how the strategies employed so far have been hugely successful in winning market share. "Families from all over the world are choosing us because of our safe environment", she adds. This is coupled by her hands-on and visible approach to management and an ability to motivate staff to provide the best possible service by following her 'can-do' approach to satisfying guest requirements. Arguably, the greatest advertisement for Coral Boutique Villas and Hotel Apartments, however, comes from Gayraud herself. With all the opportunities that Dubai has to offer, at the end of a long day there is only one place she wants to be. "Murjan Spa in Coral Boutique Hotel Apartments is my favourite place because I can simply pamper every inch of my body", she says. "The friendly atmosphere helps me look after my physical, mental and spiritual needs and is the perfect way to recover from the daily stress of being a busy GM." Now who can argue with that? Tel.: +9714 402 8888 (Boutique Villas) Tel.: +9714 340 6700 (Hotel Apt.) www.coral-international.com
Murjan Coral Signature Spa
Best of Dubai
68
Best of Dubai
69
Hotels & Hospitality
Staying Different While the rest of the world's global hotel chains are looking to exploit the growing popularity of Dubai as a tourist destination, there is one homegrown hospitality entity that has conquered the emirate and is propelling its brand worldwide.
Bill Walshe - Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer Saraya Aqaba, Jordan
Hantang Jumeirah Shanghai Hotel
Geo-political sensitivities notwithstanding, tourism is soaring as one of the region's most dynamic economic sectors that has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 7.1 per cent since 1995, surpassing the global growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the same period. As a winning model for the rest of the region and a victorious standardbearer of all that is bold, innovative and lavishly service-oriented, the UAE has been leading the way in the Middle East in this area and is set to attract an estimated 68.5 million tourists to the region by 2020. The figures speak for themselves: The UAE witnessed a 60 per cent increase in the volume of resorts and hotels between 1993 and 2002, with 135 being constructed - a move that will offset worries about hotel room shortages that could strain tourism in the coming years given that visitor arrivals grew significantly more in 2004 than hotel capacity itself, placing pressure on occupancy rates and therefore on prices too. Jumeirah is a viable example of how a fledging brand with a single property, Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel when the company was founded in 1997, can blossom into a hospitality giant with luxury properties in three continents, employing 12,000 people worldwide and looking to grow that figure to 20,000 by 2009. Its vision is typically ambitious, in the quintessential 'can-do' mode that the emirate's Dubai Inc ethos has become famous for: 'to develop a global super-brand under a single, distinctive and memorable name.’ In conjunction with its recent rebranding in 2005, the company also announced ambitious plans to grow its portfolio to 40 luxury hotels and resorts by the end of 2009. "This growth will mainly take place through the acquisition of management contracts, meaning that we will operate hotels for owners and investors rather than buying/acquiring assets ourselves," said Bill Walshe, Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer, Jumeirah. "This planned growth will see Jumeirah expand locally, regionally and globally," he added. Among the developments already announced are Aqua Dunya in Dubailand, Jumeirah Al Khor in Healthcare City, Saraya Aqaba in Jordan, Jumeirah Essex House in New York, Hantang Jumeirah in Shanghai and Dubai Towers in Doha. While the hotel and resort portfolio is the backbone of Jumeirah's operations,
Jumeirah Essex House in New York
70
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
71
planned and operating residences and serviced apartments, branded restaurants, water parks, retail outlets and educational facilities highlight Jumeirah's dedication to its brand strategy - 'Stay Different'. "Not one Jumeirah experience is, and will be, the same and our two least favourite words are 'cookie cutter'," is how Walshe emphasized the Jumeirah philosophy. As for the onslaught of global three and four-star hotels entering the Dubai market, Walshe insists this is not a threat to Jumeirah's brand, but instead complements the local hotel market. "Jumeirah is operating in the luxury five star segment and with the current shortage of hotel rooms in the luxury segment we see a huge opportunity for us and other global luxury brands to grow within Dubai," he argues. While the competition in the local market does not concern Jumeirah, what about the challenges faced by the company in ensuring its worldwide growth? "We don't see challenges but tremendous opportunity," says Walshe. "Having firmly established Jumeirah as a luxury brand worldwide, we enjoy great interest from potential owners and investors and are contacted daily and asked if we are interested to run hotels and resorts." It is this kind of interest, he believes, that will help ensure Jumeirah meets its 2009 targets. "We are confident that we will achieve our aggressive growth plans, and looking at the developments we have announced so far, we are well underway to achieving our goal by the end of 2009." Of course, as with any business, making the right investment decisions is the key to success, with vigilance in decision making all the more important when the offers are flooding in. "We have received and continue to receive a lot of leads and enquiries when it comes to business development for Jumeirah," says Walshe, "and our biggest opportunity is also our biggest challenge, which is to make the right choices and selection of projects for Jumeirah in the markets we aim to be in." But what is it that Jumeirah looks for in an investment opportunity? "There are many factors and criteria to consider, but the main ones would be the feasibility of the project and potential return we could achieve for the owner/investor and the 'fit' with the Jumeirah brand and portfolio." With a portfolio that already features the world's only allsuite uber-luxury property, the iconic Burj Al Arab, among its local and international experiences, Jumeirah has well and truly positioned itself as one of the world's most dynamic and fast growing luxury hospitality groups, with exciting times ahead as they look onwards and upwards to diversify their business by taking service and comfort to stellar heights. www.jumeirah.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Staying Different While the rest of the world's global hotel chains are looking to exploit the growing popularity of Dubai as a tourist destination, there is one homegrown hospitality entity that has conquered the emirate and is propelling its brand worldwide.
Bill Walshe - Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer Saraya Aqaba, Jordan
Hantang Jumeirah Shanghai Hotel
Geo-political sensitivities notwithstanding, tourism is soaring as one of the region's most dynamic economic sectors that has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 7.1 per cent since 1995, surpassing the global growth rate of 4.1 per cent over the same period. As a winning model for the rest of the region and a victorious standardbearer of all that is bold, innovative and lavishly service-oriented, the UAE has been leading the way in the Middle East in this area and is set to attract an estimated 68.5 million tourists to the region by 2020. The figures speak for themselves: The UAE witnessed a 60 per cent increase in the volume of resorts and hotels between 1993 and 2002, with 135 being constructed - a move that will offset worries about hotel room shortages that could strain tourism in the coming years given that visitor arrivals grew significantly more in 2004 than hotel capacity itself, placing pressure on occupancy rates and therefore on prices too. Jumeirah is a viable example of how a fledging brand with a single property, Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel when the company was founded in 1997, can blossom into a hospitality giant with luxury properties in three continents, employing 12,000 people worldwide and looking to grow that figure to 20,000 by 2009. Its vision is typically ambitious, in the quintessential 'can-do' mode that the emirate's Dubai Inc ethos has become famous for: 'to develop a global super-brand under a single, distinctive and memorable name.’ In conjunction with its recent rebranding in 2005, the company also announced ambitious plans to grow its portfolio to 40 luxury hotels and resorts by the end of 2009. "This growth will mainly take place through the acquisition of management contracts, meaning that we will operate hotels for owners and investors rather than buying/acquiring assets ourselves," said Bill Walshe, Chief Marketing and Business Innovation Officer, Jumeirah. "This planned growth will see Jumeirah expand locally, regionally and globally," he added. Among the developments already announced are Aqua Dunya in Dubailand, Jumeirah Al Khor in Healthcare City, Saraya Aqaba in Jordan, Jumeirah Essex House in New York, Hantang Jumeirah in Shanghai and Dubai Towers in Doha. While the hotel and resort portfolio is the backbone of Jumeirah's operations,
Jumeirah Essex House in New York
70
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
71
planned and operating residences and serviced apartments, branded restaurants, water parks, retail outlets and educational facilities highlight Jumeirah's dedication to its brand strategy - 'Stay Different'. "Not one Jumeirah experience is, and will be, the same and our two least favourite words are 'cookie cutter'," is how Walshe emphasized the Jumeirah philosophy. As for the onslaught of global three and four-star hotels entering the Dubai market, Walshe insists this is not a threat to Jumeirah's brand, but instead complements the local hotel market. "Jumeirah is operating in the luxury five star segment and with the current shortage of hotel rooms in the luxury segment we see a huge opportunity for us and other global luxury brands to grow within Dubai," he argues. While the competition in the local market does not concern Jumeirah, what about the challenges faced by the company in ensuring its worldwide growth? "We don't see challenges but tremendous opportunity," says Walshe. "Having firmly established Jumeirah as a luxury brand worldwide, we enjoy great interest from potential owners and investors and are contacted daily and asked if we are interested to run hotels and resorts." It is this kind of interest, he believes, that will help ensure Jumeirah meets its 2009 targets. "We are confident that we will achieve our aggressive growth plans, and looking at the developments we have announced so far, we are well underway to achieving our goal by the end of 2009." Of course, as with any business, making the right investment decisions is the key to success, with vigilance in decision making all the more important when the offers are flooding in. "We have received and continue to receive a lot of leads and enquiries when it comes to business development for Jumeirah," says Walshe, "and our biggest opportunity is also our biggest challenge, which is to make the right choices and selection of projects for Jumeirah in the markets we aim to be in." But what is it that Jumeirah looks for in an investment opportunity? "There are many factors and criteria to consider, but the main ones would be the feasibility of the project and potential return we could achieve for the owner/investor and the 'fit' with the Jumeirah brand and portfolio." With a portfolio that already features the world's only allsuite uber-luxury property, the iconic Burj Al Arab, among its local and international experiences, Jumeirah has well and truly positioned itself as one of the world's most dynamic and fast growing luxury hospitality groups, with exciting times ahead as they look onwards and upwards to diversify their business by taking service and comfort to stellar heights. www.jumeirah.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Hilton Fujairah - Aproved.qxp
12/28/2006
2:05 PM
Page 1
Sun, Sea and Service When it comes to brand recognition in the hotel industry, there is no bigger name than Hilton. A global institution in luxury hotel accommodation, whether for business or for pleasure, the Hilton name guarantees the complete hotel accommodation experience where the guest always comes first.
introducing technologies and service standards way before others do." This, Kraus adds, is achieved by recognizing and understanding today's travellers' needs and being able to anticipate the next generation's requirements. Having first opened its doors in 1978, the Hilton Fujairah Resort has prided itself on being not only the first choice home-away-from-home for visitors to the region, but also as a centre of activity for the local community. The hotel, he says will continue to operate with this largely successful strategy, complementing the business operations and the needs of the guest with being a part of the local community. Forming part of the Hilton Fujairah Resort’s dedication to satisfying local needs is developing improved infrastructure, providing quality entertainment and extra-curricular activities, whilst also ensuring rigorous protection of the environment. In satisfying these local community commitments, the hotel is also guaranteeing improved and higher quality facilities for its guests. Achieving these goals means the Hilton Fujairah Resort adds to the enjoyment of the guests stay by being able to provide a diverse range of experiences for guests to enjoy. The private beach, in particular, is a magnet for the holidaymaker looking to relax, with the Fujairah climate making swimming and sunbathing accessible all-year-round. For the more adventurous types, the Hilton Fujairah Resort specialises in motorized and non-motorized water sport activities, including wind surfing, snorkelling and fishing, while diving trips to some of the most exotic dive sites in the UAE are also possible. Whether for business, pleasure or a little bit of both, the Hilton Fujairah Resort guarantees every guest enjoys a stay they will want to relive over and over.
The Hilton Fujairah Resort is no exception. Situated on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with the Hajar mountains as its backdrop, it is easy to argue that the beauty of the location alone is enough to entice the traveller. Such an argument, however, falls on deaf ears at the Hilton Fujairah Resort, where dedication to providing the highest level of service is paramount to complementing the visual beauty of the surroundings. "To create luxurious palaces and fill hotel rooms with technologies is what the UAE has specialized in, however soft issues like genuine friendliness and customer recognition seems to be as important as a glamorous infrastructure," argues Hilton Fujairah Resort General Manager Markus Kraus. "The key of success at Hilton Fujairah Resort is the continuous team member training and the team's unconditional responsiveness to customers' needs and expectations," he adds. This dedication to friendliness and customer service goes beyond simply satisfying the needs and expectations of the visitor, but also exceeding it. Every guest of the Hilton Fujairah Resort is accorded the VIP treatment with staff committed to providing superior and friendly service every day, every minute, every second. This, he stresses, is what makes the Hilton Fujairah Resort unique. Being unique is an essential quality for achieving success in the highly competitive UAE luxury accommodation market. Not satisfied with being just a player, he insists Hilton is a market leader. "Rather than benchmarking ourselves with the competition, Hilton is aiming to set the trends. We are an incredibly innovative and proactive company, which in many areas is
72
Best of Dubai
Tel: +971 9 222 2411 Fax: +971 9 222 6541 www.fujairah.hilton.com
Best of Dubai
73
Hotels & Hospitality
Hilton Fujairah - Aproved.qxp
12/28/2006
2:05 PM
Page 1
Sun, Sea and Service When it comes to brand recognition in the hotel industry, there is no bigger name than Hilton. A global institution in luxury hotel accommodation, whether for business or for pleasure, the Hilton name guarantees the complete hotel accommodation experience where the guest always comes first.
introducing technologies and service standards way before others do." This, Kraus adds, is achieved by recognizing and understanding today's travellers' needs and being able to anticipate the next generation's requirements. Having first opened its doors in 1978, the Hilton Fujairah Resort has prided itself on being not only the first choice home-away-from-home for visitors to the region, but also as a centre of activity for the local community. The hotel, he says will continue to operate with this largely successful strategy, complementing the business operations and the needs of the guest with being a part of the local community. Forming part of the Hilton Fujairah Resort’s dedication to satisfying local needs is developing improved infrastructure, providing quality entertainment and extra-curricular activities, whilst also ensuring rigorous protection of the environment. In satisfying these local community commitments, the hotel is also guaranteeing improved and higher quality facilities for its guests. Achieving these goals means the Hilton Fujairah Resort adds to the enjoyment of the guests stay by being able to provide a diverse range of experiences for guests to enjoy. The private beach, in particular, is a magnet for the holidaymaker looking to relax, with the Fujairah climate making swimming and sunbathing accessible all-year-round. For the more adventurous types, the Hilton Fujairah Resort specialises in motorized and non-motorized water sport activities, including wind surfing, snorkelling and fishing, while diving trips to some of the most exotic dive sites in the UAE are also possible. Whether for business, pleasure or a little bit of both, the Hilton Fujairah Resort guarantees every guest enjoys a stay they will want to relive over and over.
The Hilton Fujairah Resort is no exception. Situated on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and with the Hajar mountains as its backdrop, it is easy to argue that the beauty of the location alone is enough to entice the traveller. Such an argument, however, falls on deaf ears at the Hilton Fujairah Resort, where dedication to providing the highest level of service is paramount to complementing the visual beauty of the surroundings. "To create luxurious palaces and fill hotel rooms with technologies is what the UAE has specialized in, however soft issues like genuine friendliness and customer recognition seems to be as important as a glamorous infrastructure," argues Hilton Fujairah Resort General Manager Markus Kraus. "The key of success at Hilton Fujairah Resort is the continuous team member training and the team's unconditional responsiveness to customers' needs and expectations," he adds. This dedication to friendliness and customer service goes beyond simply satisfying the needs and expectations of the visitor, but also exceeding it. Every guest of the Hilton Fujairah Resort is accorded the VIP treatment with staff committed to providing superior and friendly service every day, every minute, every second. This, he stresses, is what makes the Hilton Fujairah Resort unique. Being unique is an essential quality for achieving success in the highly competitive UAE luxury accommodation market. Not satisfied with being just a player, he insists Hilton is a market leader. "Rather than benchmarking ourselves with the competition, Hilton is aiming to set the trends. We are an incredibly innovative and proactive company, which in many areas is
72
Best of Dubai
Tel: +971 9 222 2411 Fax: +971 9 222 6541 www.fujairah.hilton.com
Best of Dubai
73
Hotels & Hospitality
Oasis Beach Hotel.qxp
12/28/2006
4:59 PM
Page 1
Oasis Surprise The Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in the ‘Top 100 Luxury Hotels Worldwide’ category in 2005 was well deserved.
Martin Weber, General Manager Oasis Beach Hotel
Jebel Ali International Hotels, the successful operator of the Oasis Beach Hotel has done a thoroughly professional job in segmenting its markets and carving out a niche for itself in the cutthroat worldwide tourist market. Confidently handling holiday packages for inbound tourists from the UK, Germany and Russia who marvel at the value for money they are getting for their stay, the 252-room sea facing property is also popular with business travellers who now form half of its clientele. Enjoying a reputation as the friendliest hotel on the beach, the Oasis Beach Hotel is one of few properties that has successfully pitched itself as a 4-star hotel to cater for the European tourist market that Dubai is out to attract. With more than 5 million visitors to the UAE in 2005 expected to reach 10 million in 2010, the hotel will have no shortage of guests. Five star grandeur notwithstanding, it is the serviceable and efficient four star model that the emirate needs if it is to broaden its appeal and segment the market to reach targets. Says Martin Weber, the hotel’s general manager who has been involved in the region’s hospitality industry for
three decades: “With new residential developments taking shape around our property, we will also be busy catering for the many residents who will shortly be moving into this area.” With 6000 members, the hotel boasts a Neighbourhood Privilege Club that provides special offers at its outlets and affordable daily club rates for those wishing to use the hotel facilities. “The objective is to offer a little something for everyone”, he explains. Nowadays business is constant all year round. Gone are the days of the dreaded summer exodus on the part of Dubai residents and the gaping room vacancies caused by a nascent tourism industry yet to find its feet. “Business used to drop in the summer, but with the Dubai Government moving the Shopping Festival to December and the
74
Best of Dubai
Summer Surprises to July, numbers went up despite the soaring temperatures” Weber says. “Come to think about it, summers are not so terrible, temperatures in some Mediterranean countries can get very uncomfortable in the summer months too and they do not have the luxury of air-conditioning everywhere.” Furthermore, prices in the Med are at a peak in the summer, whilst in Dubai they offer great value; another reason to swap over from the Cote d’ Azur to the Jumeirah Beach strip without further ado. Guests can stay in one of the 252 spacious and well appointed rooms in the ten-level beachfront property overlooking the Dubai Marina and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. After guests are welcomed with exotic fruit cocktails at reception, they are efficiently chaperoned to their no-frills rooms that boast far more frills than your average European equivalent. Take the sea-facing rooms with their ample balconies for instance - nothing is more pleasant than lounging out there in the evenings with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in another, while the gentle sound of waves lapping up on the beach permeates the air. Look down from your balcony and you can plan your day’s activities. Will you spend your day around the large temperaturecontrolled pool, where you can swim up to the bar for a drink or a snack? Or go down to the hotel’s private beach and enjoy the refreshments being served at the Coco Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant? Wouldn’t life be heavenly if that was the biggest decision you had to make all day? There are plenty of other activities if you are either feeling energetic or are in need of some pampering. Guests seeking adventure can take part in an array of water sports, use the wellequipped gym or play tennis. After that they can relax in the outdoor jacuzzi, or visit the wellness centre where they can enjoy a steam bath, massage or sauna, and rejuvenate choosing from
Best of Dubai
75
a selection of treatments at the Oasis Retreat. With all these options, it’s impossible to get bored. “The activities are tried and tested for overall satisfaction and we keep the guest mix varied so that no single nationality predominates”, Weber explains. Good and plentiful food is the other part of the equation, and guests have a vast selection to choose from. Starting the day is a pure delight, with the Bazaar’s excellent buffet breakfast offering. You’ve got fabulous breakfast options like pancakes, Danish Pastries and cold cuts in addition to cereal, fry ups, toast and the like. With a breakfast on this scale, halfboard will suffice; even inveterate gobblers will be satisfied until dinner. With quaint themed restaurants adding to the hotel experience, dining options are also wide and varied. The Bazaar Restaurant offers themed buffets based on the concept of an open market place with various live cooking stations. Oregano is a Mediterranean farmhouse-style restaurant authentically fitted out, with a varied and wholesome selection of specialities from France and Italy, and live background music played as you enjoy your meal. In 2006 it won the What’s On Award as ‘Dubai’s Favourite European Speciality Restaurant’ and it still basks in the reflected glory. Another option is Singapura, which serves Singaporean cuisine and other selected exotic dishes from the Far East. Like Oregano, Singapura is themed, with original antiques and artefacts giving it a distinctive feel while the soft glow of flickering candles adds a warm and cosy atmosphere. Here, the food is absolutely superb, with a steamboat speciality to die for. The
service is friendly as well as professional and the quantities defy the ‘less is best’ dictum.” After dinner, if the night is still young, and you are looking for excitement, whisk yourself away to the Caribbean by going to Charlie Parrot‘s, a lively night spot offering a variety of entertainment and dancing through to the early hours. Even though he keeps his guests busy and happy in-house, the central location of the Oasis Beach Hotel at the heart of New Dubai is ideal, so during the heat of midday, retail therapy can be enjoyed in the area’s outstanding shopping malls. “Everything is within reach. As Dubai evolves as a tourist destination the infrastructure develops to support its growth. Dubai is undeniably an excellent holiday destination”, Weber feels. So what is the recipe for the success of his domain? This seasoned hotelier who has brought his proverbial Swiss efficiency to his Arabian seaside realm concludes that “The key is to listen to guests and adapt accordingly. This is the best form of benchmarking and this approach has been validated as we enjoy the highest proportion of repeat business amongst equivalent hotels in Dubai.” So a thumbs up for the Oasis Beach Hotel - by holiday end, you will have relaxed, indulged and rejuvenated yourself homeward bound – wherever that may be ready to face the challenges of work, grey skies and drizzle. But with renewed vitality, nothing can stop you from looking forward to a return visit. Tel.: +9714 399 4444 www.jebelali-international.com
Hotels & Hospitality
Oasis Beach Hotel.qxp
12/28/2006
4:59 PM
Page 1
Oasis Surprise The Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award in the ‘Top 100 Luxury Hotels Worldwide’ category in 2005 was well deserved.
Martin Weber, General Manager Oasis Beach Hotel
Jebel Ali International Hotels, the successful operator of the Oasis Beach Hotel has done a thoroughly professional job in segmenting its markets and carving out a niche for itself in the cutthroat worldwide tourist market. Confidently handling holiday packages for inbound tourists from the UK, Germany and Russia who marvel at the value for money they are getting for their stay, the 252-room sea facing property is also popular with business travellers who now form half of its clientele. Enjoying a reputation as the friendliest hotel on the beach, the Oasis Beach Hotel is one of few properties that has successfully pitched itself as a 4-star hotel to cater for the European tourist market that Dubai is out to attract. With more than 5 million visitors to the UAE in 2005 expected to reach 10 million in 2010, the hotel will have no shortage of guests. Five star grandeur notwithstanding, it is the serviceable and efficient four star model that the emirate needs if it is to broaden its appeal and segment the market to reach targets. Says Martin Weber, the hotel’s general manager who has been involved in the region’s hospitality industry for
three decades: “With new residential developments taking shape around our property, we will also be busy catering for the many residents who will shortly be moving into this area.” With 6000 members, the hotel boasts a Neighbourhood Privilege Club that provides special offers at its outlets and affordable daily club rates for those wishing to use the hotel facilities. “The objective is to offer a little something for everyone”, he explains. Nowadays business is constant all year round. Gone are the days of the dreaded summer exodus on the part of Dubai residents and the gaping room vacancies caused by a nascent tourism industry yet to find its feet. “Business used to drop in the summer, but with the Dubai Government moving the Shopping Festival to December and the
74
Best of Dubai
Summer Surprises to July, numbers went up despite the soaring temperatures” Weber says. “Come to think about it, summers are not so terrible, temperatures in some Mediterranean countries can get very uncomfortable in the summer months too and they do not have the luxury of air-conditioning everywhere.” Furthermore, prices in the Med are at a peak in the summer, whilst in Dubai they offer great value; another reason to swap over from the Cote d’ Azur to the Jumeirah Beach strip without further ado. Guests can stay in one of the 252 spacious and well appointed rooms in the ten-level beachfront property overlooking the Dubai Marina and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. After guests are welcomed with exotic fruit cocktails at reception, they are efficiently chaperoned to their no-frills rooms that boast far more frills than your average European equivalent. Take the sea-facing rooms with their ample balconies for instance - nothing is more pleasant than lounging out there in the evenings with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in another, while the gentle sound of waves lapping up on the beach permeates the air. Look down from your balcony and you can plan your day’s activities. Will you spend your day around the large temperaturecontrolled pool, where you can swim up to the bar for a drink or a snack? Or go down to the hotel’s private beach and enjoy the refreshments being served at the Coco Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant? Wouldn’t life be heavenly if that was the biggest decision you had to make all day? There are plenty of other activities if you are either feeling energetic or are in need of some pampering. Guests seeking adventure can take part in an array of water sports, use the wellequipped gym or play tennis. After that they can relax in the outdoor jacuzzi, or visit the wellness centre where they can enjoy a steam bath, massage or sauna, and rejuvenate choosing from
Best of Dubai
75
a selection of treatments at the Oasis Retreat. With all these options, it’s impossible to get bored. “The activities are tried and tested for overall satisfaction and we keep the guest mix varied so that no single nationality predominates”, Weber explains. Good and plentiful food is the other part of the equation, and guests have a vast selection to choose from. Starting the day is a pure delight, with the Bazaar’s excellent buffet breakfast offering. You’ve got fabulous breakfast options like pancakes, Danish Pastries and cold cuts in addition to cereal, fry ups, toast and the like. With a breakfast on this scale, halfboard will suffice; even inveterate gobblers will be satisfied until dinner. With quaint themed restaurants adding to the hotel experience, dining options are also wide and varied. The Bazaar Restaurant offers themed buffets based on the concept of an open market place with various live cooking stations. Oregano is a Mediterranean farmhouse-style restaurant authentically fitted out, with a varied and wholesome selection of specialities from France and Italy, and live background music played as you enjoy your meal. In 2006 it won the What’s On Award as ‘Dubai’s Favourite European Speciality Restaurant’ and it still basks in the reflected glory. Another option is Singapura, which serves Singaporean cuisine and other selected exotic dishes from the Far East. Like Oregano, Singapura is themed, with original antiques and artefacts giving it a distinctive feel while the soft glow of flickering candles adds a warm and cosy atmosphere. Here, the food is absolutely superb, with a steamboat speciality to die for. The
service is friendly as well as professional and the quantities defy the ‘less is best’ dictum.” After dinner, if the night is still young, and you are looking for excitement, whisk yourself away to the Caribbean by going to Charlie Parrot‘s, a lively night spot offering a variety of entertainment and dancing through to the early hours. Even though he keeps his guests busy and happy in-house, the central location of the Oasis Beach Hotel at the heart of New Dubai is ideal, so during the heat of midday, retail therapy can be enjoyed in the area’s outstanding shopping malls. “Everything is within reach. As Dubai evolves as a tourist destination the infrastructure develops to support its growth. Dubai is undeniably an excellent holiday destination”, Weber feels. So what is the recipe for the success of his domain? This seasoned hotelier who has brought his proverbial Swiss efficiency to his Arabian seaside realm concludes that “The key is to listen to guests and adapt accordingly. This is the best form of benchmarking and this approach has been validated as we enjoy the highest proportion of repeat business amongst equivalent hotels in Dubai.” So a thumbs up for the Oasis Beach Hotel - by holiday end, you will have relaxed, indulged and rejuvenated yourself homeward bound – wherever that may be ready to face the challenges of work, grey skies and drizzle. But with renewed vitality, nothing can stop you from looking forward to a return visit. Tel.: +9714 399 4444 www.jebelali-international.com
"Drink wine! 'Tis life eternal and travail's meed, Fruitage of youth, and balm of age's need: 'Tis the glad time of roses, wine and friends; Rejoice thy spirit - that is life indeed". The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ancient Persian philosopher and poet
CHAPTER 3 Fine Dining
"Drink wine! 'Tis life eternal and travail's meed, Fruitage of youth, and balm of age's need: 'Tis the glad time of roses, wine and friends; Rejoice thy spirit - that is life indeed". The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ancient Persian philosopher and poet
CHAPTER 3 Fine Dining
Fine Dining
TANG@Mina Seyahi The moment you enter Tang, you sense that something remarkable is underway. The giveaway is the décor, bold and funky, with monochrome reds and blacks enveloping the 46- seat fine dining eatery. Furnished with enormously high-backed chairs with intriguing, Andy Warhol-like prints depicting a sensual image of lips and noses, the symbolism is unequivocal - Tang is out to envelop the senses with a unique culinary experience. Add an Asian fusion twist to gourmet excellence and this is what you get. Chef Stephane
Tang is more than just a restaurant, it's the place to be for the discerning food lover who is passionate about food and style.
78
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
79
With the breadth of selection and utterly novel food combinations, the menu needs explanation. It is not simply a case of choosing a few dishes and hoping for the best. To enjoy the meal to the full, diners have to appreciate where Chef Stephane is coming from gastronomically speaking. It is of paramount importance to understand why and how he has combined the exciting textures and flavours together to create something that must be defined as perfectly executed haute nouvelle cuisine. With Brendan, the dashing and well-informed Maitre D’-cum-Sommelier with a hypnotic Irish brogue and a funky set of tails, help is on hand. Despite the extensive and eclectic wine list, choosing a single vintage to suit all dishes is always a challenge. This was deliciously overcome by his recommendation of a Sauvignon Blanc Kim Crawford 2004 from New Zealand. It had an unsullied and well-balanced acidity, with delicate essences of passion fruit and honey. Its freshness is thanks to the wine not being touched by wood during the fermentation process, therefore bypassing the absorption of any impurities. The only quirk is that there was no cork; the top is a screw cap, which is usually the hallmark of something cheap and nasty, but quite the opposite in this case. Gastronomic ingenuity aside, the menu is designed so that you can have half the items on the menu as sharing dishes, or even better have all the items as tasting portions to be shared with your dining partner. Either option is a superlative, no holds barred dining extravaganza of the highest order. And while sixteen courses may sound a lot, they are only a few mouthfuls of each, allowing you to leave the restaurant without that sinking feeling of guilt-ridden over-indulgence. Brendan describes the menu as “contemporary French with a Far Eastern twist.” Twelve of the sixteen courses on the menu are fish based, and the remaining four a selection of pork, chicken and beef dishes, unashamedly prepared and presented in nouvelle cuisine style a’ la Fernand Point fastforwarded to the 21st Century. Few chefs openly practice pure nouvelle cuisine today, but its influence is still widely felt. For instance, food presentation and visual appeal are vital, dishes must excite all five senses and herbs and spices are used extensively, with light sauces and stocks creating distinct and light options combining flavours instead of overruling them. Chef Stephane is a master at combining these flavours in a highly creative and technologically avant-garde way: Drying food in liquid nitrogen, searing meat with lasers and cooking in vacuum packing. Throwing aside conventional culinary wisdom and popular prejudice, he calls it “molecular gastronomy”. This allows for bizarre food combinations that share similar pH values to fuse together to perfection in a futuristic explosion of taste. A fervent believer in the myriad uses of chocolate in cooking, he bases his reasoning on these scientific pH values which match those of many different proteins such as prawns, or some meats for instance. This was not to say that anything tasted strange. On the contrary, every single thing tasted during the marathon mini portion meal was relished flavours emerged amazing and delicate at the same time. In the saturated restaurant scenario that characterises Dubai, the meal was something
unique, fabulous, and delicious. The best restaurant meal in at least six months. To sift through each item of the menu is not feasible, but a sample of some of the dishes you could expect shows the variety on offer: Yabies Teppanyaki / purple asparagus/ passion fruit caviar/ basil Australian crayfish Tartare/ green apple/ citrus/ wasabi/ pea soup Sea scallops Fleur de cao velvet/ red beet sashimi/ ponzu pear Foie gras & calamari Cured foie gras/ calamari teppanyaki/ orange blossom vinegar/ miso Black cod Pan seared/ mock emibuchi/ roasted spring garlic/ potato cantal whip Makerel Saké ponzu glazed/ baby ginger carrot/ oyster mushroom caviar/ shiso velvet Wagyu rib eye Pan seared/ barbecued eel/ pommes pont neuf/ sage red currant gêlée Each and every dish was beautifully presented and exquisitely cooked, and the flavours quite awesome with the Kim Crawford accentuating them with every fork full. The attention to detail clearly defined the work of an artiste. Bravo Stephane! Sixteen courses later, surprisingly there was room for dessert, and again we followed the formula which had worked so well for us during the first part of the meal: A selection of desserts which again were outstanding, with again never dreamed of combinations, but they worked every time. Chocolate & Espresso Spring rolls / vanilla pear dip/ milk ice cream/ truffle Chocolate Tart/ fleur de sel/ vanilla port wine swirl ice cream/ mango jelly Coconut Noodles/ strawberry salad/ crumble/ violet honey ice Apple Tarte fine/ celery syrup/ prune chutney/ olive oil ice cream Banana Spring rolls/ peanut butter/ mint/ chocolate/ cucumber Lychee Tartare/ peanut wafer/ spicy mango écume/ basil sorbet How would one sum up the dinner? It is recalled instantly when all the decadent details flash through one’s memory. The imaginative spontaneity is what gives it overall appeal, added to the excitement as course after course is presented and sampled in a continuous relish of innovative couplings of ingredients. Tang is certainly at the cutting edge of culinary thinking in Dubai. And Chef Stephane and his brigade are right up there with him in the highest echelons of timeless fine dining. Tel.: +9714 399 3333 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
Fine Dining
TANG@Mina Seyahi The moment you enter Tang, you sense that something remarkable is underway. The giveaway is the décor, bold and funky, with monochrome reds and blacks enveloping the 46- seat fine dining eatery. Furnished with enormously high-backed chairs with intriguing, Andy Warhol-like prints depicting a sensual image of lips and noses, the symbolism is unequivocal - Tang is out to envelop the senses with a unique culinary experience. Add an Asian fusion twist to gourmet excellence and this is what you get. Chef Stephane
Tang is more than just a restaurant, it's the place to be for the discerning food lover who is passionate about food and style.
78
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
79
With the breadth of selection and utterly novel food combinations, the menu needs explanation. It is not simply a case of choosing a few dishes and hoping for the best. To enjoy the meal to the full, diners have to appreciate where Chef Stephane is coming from gastronomically speaking. It is of paramount importance to understand why and how he has combined the exciting textures and flavours together to create something that must be defined as perfectly executed haute nouvelle cuisine. With Brendan, the dashing and well-informed Maitre D’-cum-Sommelier with a hypnotic Irish brogue and a funky set of tails, help is on hand. Despite the extensive and eclectic wine list, choosing a single vintage to suit all dishes is always a challenge. This was deliciously overcome by his recommendation of a Sauvignon Blanc Kim Crawford 2004 from New Zealand. It had an unsullied and well-balanced acidity, with delicate essences of passion fruit and honey. Its freshness is thanks to the wine not being touched by wood during the fermentation process, therefore bypassing the absorption of any impurities. The only quirk is that there was no cork; the top is a screw cap, which is usually the hallmark of something cheap and nasty, but quite the opposite in this case. Gastronomic ingenuity aside, the menu is designed so that you can have half the items on the menu as sharing dishes, or even better have all the items as tasting portions to be shared with your dining partner. Either option is a superlative, no holds barred dining extravaganza of the highest order. And while sixteen courses may sound a lot, they are only a few mouthfuls of each, allowing you to leave the restaurant without that sinking feeling of guilt-ridden over-indulgence. Brendan describes the menu as “contemporary French with a Far Eastern twist.” Twelve of the sixteen courses on the menu are fish based, and the remaining four a selection of pork, chicken and beef dishes, unashamedly prepared and presented in nouvelle cuisine style a’ la Fernand Point fastforwarded to the 21st Century. Few chefs openly practice pure nouvelle cuisine today, but its influence is still widely felt. For instance, food presentation and visual appeal are vital, dishes must excite all five senses and herbs and spices are used extensively, with light sauces and stocks creating distinct and light options combining flavours instead of overruling them. Chef Stephane is a master at combining these flavours in a highly creative and technologically avant-garde way: Drying food in liquid nitrogen, searing meat with lasers and cooking in vacuum packing. Throwing aside conventional culinary wisdom and popular prejudice, he calls it “molecular gastronomy”. This allows for bizarre food combinations that share similar pH values to fuse together to perfection in a futuristic explosion of taste. A fervent believer in the myriad uses of chocolate in cooking, he bases his reasoning on these scientific pH values which match those of many different proteins such as prawns, or some meats for instance. This was not to say that anything tasted strange. On the contrary, every single thing tasted during the marathon mini portion meal was relished flavours emerged amazing and delicate at the same time. In the saturated restaurant scenario that characterises Dubai, the meal was something
unique, fabulous, and delicious. The best restaurant meal in at least six months. To sift through each item of the menu is not feasible, but a sample of some of the dishes you could expect shows the variety on offer: Yabies Teppanyaki / purple asparagus/ passion fruit caviar/ basil Australian crayfish Tartare/ green apple/ citrus/ wasabi/ pea soup Sea scallops Fleur de cao velvet/ red beet sashimi/ ponzu pear Foie gras & calamari Cured foie gras/ calamari teppanyaki/ orange blossom vinegar/ miso Black cod Pan seared/ mock emibuchi/ roasted spring garlic/ potato cantal whip Makerel Saké ponzu glazed/ baby ginger carrot/ oyster mushroom caviar/ shiso velvet Wagyu rib eye Pan seared/ barbecued eel/ pommes pont neuf/ sage red currant gêlée Each and every dish was beautifully presented and exquisitely cooked, and the flavours quite awesome with the Kim Crawford accentuating them with every fork full. The attention to detail clearly defined the work of an artiste. Bravo Stephane! Sixteen courses later, surprisingly there was room for dessert, and again we followed the formula which had worked so well for us during the first part of the meal: A selection of desserts which again were outstanding, with again never dreamed of combinations, but they worked every time. Chocolate & Espresso Spring rolls / vanilla pear dip/ milk ice cream/ truffle Chocolate Tart/ fleur de sel/ vanilla port wine swirl ice cream/ mango jelly Coconut Noodles/ strawberry salad/ crumble/ violet honey ice Apple Tarte fine/ celery syrup/ prune chutney/ olive oil ice cream Banana Spring rolls/ peanut butter/ mint/ chocolate/ cucumber Lychee Tartare/ peanut wafer/ spicy mango écume/ basil sorbet How would one sum up the dinner? It is recalled instantly when all the decadent details flash through one’s memory. The imaginative spontaneity is what gives it overall appeal, added to the excitement as course after course is presented and sampled in a continuous relish of innovative couplings of ingredients. Tang is certainly at the cutting edge of culinary thinking in Dubai. And Chef Stephane and his brigade are right up there with him in the highest echelons of timeless fine dining. Tel.: +9714 399 3333 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
Fine Dining
BATEAUX.qxp
12/27/2006
1:17 PM
Page 1
Bateaux Dubai Bateaux Dubai is a unique tourist asset, which is now on the itinerary of the most discerning visitors and residents of Dubai.
Executive Chef, Tunji Oladipo
80
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
81
In 56 metres of air-conditioned comfort, Bateaux Dubai offers its guests a rare fusion of sensory delights, both visual and savoury. The inspiration is Paris and the River Seine, the reality is the charm of the Dubai Creek explored from the completely glass enclosed dining area with panoramic views either bathed in sunshine or under a blanket of stars. With a nautical theme, the interiors shine with lots of varnished wood and suffused lighting, ideal for tete-a-tete dining. Out on deck you could be on a cruise liner, standing on quality teak decking and holding the rail as you watch the ebb and flow of life on the Creek. The rows of dhows and small abras all negotiating the waterway makes this a bustling area, which is still seen as the heart of the city. Once onboard, you can admire the diversity of the old souks and the modern buildings along the Creek, making it a unique feast of contrasts which progresses all the way to the head of the Creek. Even in the summer months it is pleasant to take your glass of wine on deck between courses and enjoy the warm breeze watching life pass by. Bateaux Dubai lends itself to a variety of events such as romantic evenings, corporate functions, private parties, fashion shows, press conferences, product launches, wedding receptions and so much more. The vessel can accommodate over 300 standing guests for cocktail receptions or 200 comfortably seated guests with ample space between tables. For private parties the gourmet menu can be tailor-made to your liking in advance, while on public cruise nights Bateaux Dubai features an extensive a la Carte menu. The management are on hand to greet passengers as they are welcomed aboard. A naval theme prevails with the deck crew kitted out in sailors’ uniforms and there’s a definitive spirit of travel in the air. On the evening we cruised the vessel was full; testament to Bateaux Dubai’s increasing popularity. While the vessel is tied up alongside, you can enjoy a selection of fruit juices until Bateaux Dubai departs from its pier. The excitement builds up as you can feel the bow thrusters gently easing the vessel away from the wharf and the service kicks in with military precision. Those pre-ordered drinks arrive promptly
along with a selection of canapés, courtesy of Executive Chef Tunji Oladipo. The canapés are a savoury selection of wontons, quiches, marinated meats and a miniature Yorkshire pudding. In addition to the serviceable wine list, an excellent option is to go for the ‘flight of wines’, which is the Chef’s choice. He will select a different glass of wine for each course depending on what you are eating. The gourmet menu is essentially international, giving guests plenty of choices to enjoy. All meals are freshly prepared in the kitchen onboard. For starters we chose the marinated tiger prawns, roasted tomatoes and smoky avocado aioli. This dish was delicately flavoured; the chilled prawn was firm, juicy and plentiful. The other starter, the seared blue fin tuna, papaya salad and honey soya dressing was slightly spicy which was well countered by the Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Shiraz. After this course there was a twenty minute interval where diners were encouraged to go on to the stern deck and admire the sights along the Creek. Even though it was a typical Dubai summer evening, it was extremely pleasant to be outside. Once back at our table, the main course was served promptly. We selected the Arabian Gulf seafood ‘en papillote’ with fragrant spices and herbs accompanied by jasmine rice, and the slow roast beef sirloin served with a cauliflower potato mash and a spinach puree. Both these dishes were exquisitely prepared and I can highly recommend the succulently tender meat sirloin and the Arabian Gulf Seafood. The combination of herbs and the use of jasmine rice in the seafood dish, made it both a taste and smell fest of the highest order. For a culinary adventurer such as myself, all desserts looked exceptionally tempting. The piece de resistance was the popular dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream which remains a firm favourite on the menu from year to year. It certainly lived up to expectations. In an environment where novelty is de rigeur, Bateaux Dubai remains an unforgettable experience. The combination of an excellent meal and the subtly gliding panorama of the Dubai Creek makes you wish…if only this trip could last forever. Tel.: +9714 399 4994 www.jebelali-international.com
Fine Dining
BATEAUX.qxp
12/27/2006
1:17 PM
Page 1
Bateaux Dubai Bateaux Dubai is a unique tourist asset, which is now on the itinerary of the most discerning visitors and residents of Dubai.
Executive Chef, Tunji Oladipo
80
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
81
In 56 metres of air-conditioned comfort, Bateaux Dubai offers its guests a rare fusion of sensory delights, both visual and savoury. The inspiration is Paris and the River Seine, the reality is the charm of the Dubai Creek explored from the completely glass enclosed dining area with panoramic views either bathed in sunshine or under a blanket of stars. With a nautical theme, the interiors shine with lots of varnished wood and suffused lighting, ideal for tete-a-tete dining. Out on deck you could be on a cruise liner, standing on quality teak decking and holding the rail as you watch the ebb and flow of life on the Creek. The rows of dhows and small abras all negotiating the waterway makes this a bustling area, which is still seen as the heart of the city. Once onboard, you can admire the diversity of the old souks and the modern buildings along the Creek, making it a unique feast of contrasts which progresses all the way to the head of the Creek. Even in the summer months it is pleasant to take your glass of wine on deck between courses and enjoy the warm breeze watching life pass by. Bateaux Dubai lends itself to a variety of events such as romantic evenings, corporate functions, private parties, fashion shows, press conferences, product launches, wedding receptions and so much more. The vessel can accommodate over 300 standing guests for cocktail receptions or 200 comfortably seated guests with ample space between tables. For private parties the gourmet menu can be tailor-made to your liking in advance, while on public cruise nights Bateaux Dubai features an extensive a la Carte menu. The management are on hand to greet passengers as they are welcomed aboard. A naval theme prevails with the deck crew kitted out in sailors’ uniforms and there’s a definitive spirit of travel in the air. On the evening we cruised the vessel was full; testament to Bateaux Dubai’s increasing popularity. While the vessel is tied up alongside, you can enjoy a selection of fruit juices until Bateaux Dubai departs from its pier. The excitement builds up as you can feel the bow thrusters gently easing the vessel away from the wharf and the service kicks in with military precision. Those pre-ordered drinks arrive promptly
along with a selection of canapés, courtesy of Executive Chef Tunji Oladipo. The canapés are a savoury selection of wontons, quiches, marinated meats and a miniature Yorkshire pudding. In addition to the serviceable wine list, an excellent option is to go for the ‘flight of wines’, which is the Chef’s choice. He will select a different glass of wine for each course depending on what you are eating. The gourmet menu is essentially international, giving guests plenty of choices to enjoy. All meals are freshly prepared in the kitchen onboard. For starters we chose the marinated tiger prawns, roasted tomatoes and smoky avocado aioli. This dish was delicately flavoured; the chilled prawn was firm, juicy and plentiful. The other starter, the seared blue fin tuna, papaya salad and honey soya dressing was slightly spicy which was well countered by the Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Shiraz. After this course there was a twenty minute interval where diners were encouraged to go on to the stern deck and admire the sights along the Creek. Even though it was a typical Dubai summer evening, it was extremely pleasant to be outside. Once back at our table, the main course was served promptly. We selected the Arabian Gulf seafood ‘en papillote’ with fragrant spices and herbs accompanied by jasmine rice, and the slow roast beef sirloin served with a cauliflower potato mash and a spinach puree. Both these dishes were exquisitely prepared and I can highly recommend the succulently tender meat sirloin and the Arabian Gulf Seafood. The combination of herbs and the use of jasmine rice in the seafood dish, made it both a taste and smell fest of the highest order. For a culinary adventurer such as myself, all desserts looked exceptionally tempting. The piece de resistance was the popular dark chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream which remains a firm favourite on the menu from year to year. It certainly lived up to expectations. In an environment where novelty is de rigeur, Bateaux Dubai remains an unforgettable experience. The combination of an excellent meal and the subtly gliding panorama of the Dubai Creek makes you wish…if only this trip could last forever. Tel.: +9714 399 4994 www.jebelali-international.com
Fine Dining
Festival of Taste.qxp
12/28/2006
11:15 AM
Page 1
Taste Addiction With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the final product, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely and explore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course, fun environment.
Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah
Celebrity chef line-up from left to right: James Martin, Hans Haas, Ben Sisley, Jean Christophe Novelli, Michel Roux, Sam Leong, Yannick Alleno, Gary Rhodes.
The festival saw most of the Jumeirah Group’s hotels in Dubai participate and the programme featured a dizzying array of events, gourmet nights, brunches, dinners and cooking classes galore that were exceedingly well attended. Highlights included the ‘1001 Nights Meet the Stars Opening Event’ at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the series of Gourmet Nights in various Jumeirah restaurants – the Villa Beach Restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel with celebrity Chef Jean Christophe Novelli; VU’s restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers with celebrity Chef Hans Haas and Napa restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah with celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes. With over five million visitors a year, Dubai has taken the lead in developing novel concepts such as this to keep tourists begging for more. As an ultimate endorsement to unabashed luxury, the ‘Festival of Taste’ put on the ‘Ultimate
Too many cooks may spoil the broth but they certainly add spice to any food festival. The host of household chefs descended on Dubai for Jumeirah’s first Festival of Taste, proving that when it comes to food and lifestyle, the dynamic and rapidly growing luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, has hit on the recipe for success. Held in May 2006 in association with presenting sponsors American Express and Emirates Airline. The ‘Festival of Taste’ was a culinary spectacle that saw some of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs alight upon Dubai to participate in the various events lined up for this extraordinary week long festival. As the inaugural festival of what will become a bi-annual food and lifestyle event for Jumeirah, the culinary maestros who cooked up a storm included Hans Haas, Two-Star Michelin Chef from Germany; Gary Rhodes, Michelin Star Restaurateur and TV Personality; Sam Leong, one of Singapore’s most renowned Chefs; James Martin, TV Personality and Chef; Michel Roux, Three-Star Michelin Chef from the UK; Jean Christophe Novelli, TV Personality and Chef; Yannick Alleno, Two-Star Michelin Chef from France; and Gina Koutropoulos and Ben Sisley from the famous Ping Eatery & Bar in Melbourne, Australia. With the objective of ensuring that Jumeirah continues to build innovation and quality to expanding brand, this bi-annual food and lifestyle event, proved to be a gastronomic extravaganza that took Dubai’s discerning diners by storm, providing more meat to Dubai’s already aggressive global tourism promotion. Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah said, “Dubai has earned its reputation for being a world centre of culinary arts and lifestyle and we hope to further enhance this positioning by launching a bi-annual festival that will tantalise the taste buds of both residents and visitors alike.”
82
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
83
Dinner Party’, which was limited to four guests per evening and started with a limousine pick up from guests’ home to a cocktail reception at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. From there, guests were whisked off in a helicopter transfer to Burj Al Arab for the first and second course, a Rolls Royce transfer to Villa Beach restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a hot entrée and savoured the main course in Madinat Jumeirah’s Pisces, before rounding off the gastronomic experience with dessert, coffee and tea at the upmarket resort’s Napa restaurant. The icing on the cake was an overnight stay at the luxurious Burj Al Arab, with bubbly breakfast the next morning. When it comes to sumptuousness with pzzaz, nobody does it better than Jumeirah. www.jumeirah.com
Fine Dining
Festival of Taste.qxp
12/28/2006
11:15 AM
Page 1
Taste Addiction With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the final product, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely and explore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course, fun environment.
Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah
Celebrity chef line-up from left to right: James Martin, Hans Haas, Ben Sisley, Jean Christophe Novelli, Michel Roux, Sam Leong, Yannick Alleno, Gary Rhodes.
The festival saw most of the Jumeirah Group’s hotels in Dubai participate and the programme featured a dizzying array of events, gourmet nights, brunches, dinners and cooking classes galore that were exceedingly well attended. Highlights included the ‘1001 Nights Meet the Stars Opening Event’ at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the series of Gourmet Nights in various Jumeirah restaurants – the Villa Beach Restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel with celebrity Chef Jean Christophe Novelli; VU’s restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers with celebrity Chef Hans Haas and Napa restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah with celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes. With over five million visitors a year, Dubai has taken the lead in developing novel concepts such as this to keep tourists begging for more. As an ultimate endorsement to unabashed luxury, the ‘Festival of Taste’ put on the ‘Ultimate
Too many cooks may spoil the broth but they certainly add spice to any food festival. The host of household chefs descended on Dubai for Jumeirah’s first Festival of Taste, proving that when it comes to food and lifestyle, the dynamic and rapidly growing luxury hospitality group and member of Dubai Holding, has hit on the recipe for success. Held in May 2006 in association with presenting sponsors American Express and Emirates Airline. The ‘Festival of Taste’ was a culinary spectacle that saw some of the world’s most renowned celebrity chefs alight upon Dubai to participate in the various events lined up for this extraordinary week long festival. As the inaugural festival of what will become a bi-annual food and lifestyle event for Jumeirah, the culinary maestros who cooked up a storm included Hans Haas, Two-Star Michelin Chef from Germany; Gary Rhodes, Michelin Star Restaurateur and TV Personality; Sam Leong, one of Singapore’s most renowned Chefs; James Martin, TV Personality and Chef; Michel Roux, Three-Star Michelin Chef from the UK; Jean Christophe Novelli, TV Personality and Chef; Yannick Alleno, Two-Star Michelin Chef from France; and Gina Koutropoulos and Ben Sisley from the famous Ping Eatery & Bar in Melbourne, Australia. With the objective of ensuring that Jumeirah continues to build innovation and quality to expanding brand, this bi-annual food and lifestyle event, proved to be a gastronomic extravaganza that took Dubai’s discerning diners by storm, providing more meat to Dubai’s already aggressive global tourism promotion. Willi Elsener, Group Director of Restaurants & Bars for Jumeirah said, “Dubai has earned its reputation for being a world centre of culinary arts and lifestyle and we hope to further enhance this positioning by launching a bi-annual festival that will tantalise the taste buds of both residents and visitors alike.”
82
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
83
Dinner Party’, which was limited to four guests per evening and started with a limousine pick up from guests’ home to a cocktail reception at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. From there, guests were whisked off in a helicopter transfer to Burj Al Arab for the first and second course, a Rolls Royce transfer to Villa Beach restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a hot entrée and savoured the main course in Madinat Jumeirah’s Pisces, before rounding off the gastronomic experience with dessert, coffee and tea at the upmarket resort’s Napa restaurant. The icing on the cake was an overnight stay at the luxurious Burj Al Arab, with bubbly breakfast the next morning. When it comes to sumptuousness with pzzaz, nobody does it better than Jumeirah. www.jumeirah.com
12/28/2006
Fine Dining
Loft1.qxp
4:49 PM
Page 1
Lofty Living Recently inaugurated ‘The Loft’ opens doors to a discerning audience with high expectations. With new restaurants opening constantly, it also has competition to fend off. With its central location, fashionable décor, live music from resident DJ's and magnificent menu, The Loft has little to fear and can therefore dedicate all its energy into welcoming guests. Shane Brierly, Executive Chef Shaun Venter, Head Chef
If you thought that a chef being passionate about food was a cliché, that after years of busy kitchens and 15 hour shifts, the enthusiasm would have faded, then you haven't dined with Shane Brierly. As executive chef of the George V group of restaurants, food is not just his vocation, it's his life. Tip, Shane's wife, is head sous chef in the George V's sister restaurant Lotus One, and therefore for Shane, working with food quite literally is a 'labour of love'. Shane and his wing man Shaun Venter have developed a novel culinary concept named 'Contemporary trans-Atlantic cuisine' with the aim to become an established market leader. "The menu showcases modern Western cuisine, with Atlantic coast influences, and presents sexy food without pretence, attitude or fuss", says Brierly. "We have a blank canvas to take any Western based cuisine or dish we like, and make it funky, different, and true to its roots. Definitely expect the unexpected, but also expect to be comforted by some familiar tastes and ingredients as well", he explains. Whether you are eating a full meal or complementing a social evening with some 'amuse bouche', an elegant offering, light years ahead of deep filled potato skins, you will be entertained with choice. The 'Latino Sopes', are bite sized Mexican corncakes, topped with refreshing tomato salsa, creamy goats cheese and a dash of coriander pesto. A delightful light twist of the all too common nachos we have all resorted to eating far too often. Foie gras is seared and served with slow roasted garlic and shallot confit, and chicken liver pate is flambéed with cognac and is both served with toasted crostinis and splashed with a beautifully coloured parsley puree. A curious variation that is simply wonderful. The New Zealand beef short ribs starter, which is braised with smoky chipotle barbeque sauce, and a duet of apple & sage, is a wonderful combination of different flavours. The warm spices of the chipotles, are beautifully balanced by the sweet green apple sauce
84
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
85
whispered with a touch of sage. As a starter, this hearty option full of sophisticated flavours will really stimulate enthusiasm for the main course to arrive. Whether you have chosen white or red meat as your main course, expect to be intrigued by the choices. Grilled Western Australian beef with roasted onion & stilton, Quinoa, tempura asparagus & toasted cumin seed béarnaise will take you on a journey of enlightenment as well as culinary discovery. Quinoa, native to the Andes in South America, is a “wonder grain” which contains every protein known to man within a single food source. It was one of the three staple foods of the ancient Inca civilization and is still known now as it was then as the 'mother grain'. The infused stilton used to bind the Quinoa and build its flavour will be a winner with cheese enthusiasts. Burnt Lemon risotto complements the 'Chicken Breast Supreme' beautifully and a rich syrup reduction of ripe Holland tomatoes sweetens the tang - once again, an intelligent use of contrasting flavours that will set palates tingling. To conclude your meal you might want to try the delicious pumpkin brulee. It is a classical interpretation of the homely southern US classic 'pumpkin pie' but served in a slightly more refined French style. Topped with Pecan praline it is simply exquisite. It is immediately evident in the acute quality of the flavours that everything is made from the finest and freshest ingredients and prepared in- house. Everything is made from scratch by the devoted hands of either Shane or Shaun, and you are guaranteed to leave enlightened, enthused and satisfied. Whilst the food is beautifully presented, it is not over fussy. Whilst it offers intriguing combinations of flavours, their origins will be comfortingly familiar. Quite frankly I've haven't enjoyed eating a meal as much since my mother cooked it. And that's saying something. Tel.:+97150 846 3424 www.theloftclubdubai.com
12/28/2006
Fine Dining
Loft1.qxp
4:49 PM
Page 1
Lofty Living Recently inaugurated ‘The Loft’ opens doors to a discerning audience with high expectations. With new restaurants opening constantly, it also has competition to fend off. With its central location, fashionable décor, live music from resident DJ's and magnificent menu, The Loft has little to fear and can therefore dedicate all its energy into welcoming guests. Shane Brierly, Executive Chef Shaun Venter, Head Chef
If you thought that a chef being passionate about food was a cliché, that after years of busy kitchens and 15 hour shifts, the enthusiasm would have faded, then you haven't dined with Shane Brierly. As executive chef of the George V group of restaurants, food is not just his vocation, it's his life. Tip, Shane's wife, is head sous chef in the George V's sister restaurant Lotus One, and therefore for Shane, working with food quite literally is a 'labour of love'. Shane and his wing man Shaun Venter have developed a novel culinary concept named 'Contemporary trans-Atlantic cuisine' with the aim to become an established market leader. "The menu showcases modern Western cuisine, with Atlantic coast influences, and presents sexy food without pretence, attitude or fuss", says Brierly. "We have a blank canvas to take any Western based cuisine or dish we like, and make it funky, different, and true to its roots. Definitely expect the unexpected, but also expect to be comforted by some familiar tastes and ingredients as well", he explains. Whether you are eating a full meal or complementing a social evening with some 'amuse bouche', an elegant offering, light years ahead of deep filled potato skins, you will be entertained with choice. The 'Latino Sopes', are bite sized Mexican corncakes, topped with refreshing tomato salsa, creamy goats cheese and a dash of coriander pesto. A delightful light twist of the all too common nachos we have all resorted to eating far too often. Foie gras is seared and served with slow roasted garlic and shallot confit, and chicken liver pate is flambéed with cognac and is both served with toasted crostinis and splashed with a beautifully coloured parsley puree. A curious variation that is simply wonderful. The New Zealand beef short ribs starter, which is braised with smoky chipotle barbeque sauce, and a duet of apple & sage, is a wonderful combination of different flavours. The warm spices of the chipotles, are beautifully balanced by the sweet green apple sauce
84
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
85
whispered with a touch of sage. As a starter, this hearty option full of sophisticated flavours will really stimulate enthusiasm for the main course to arrive. Whether you have chosen white or red meat as your main course, expect to be intrigued by the choices. Grilled Western Australian beef with roasted onion & stilton, Quinoa, tempura asparagus & toasted cumin seed béarnaise will take you on a journey of enlightenment as well as culinary discovery. Quinoa, native to the Andes in South America, is a “wonder grain” which contains every protein known to man within a single food source. It was one of the three staple foods of the ancient Inca civilization and is still known now as it was then as the 'mother grain'. The infused stilton used to bind the Quinoa and build its flavour will be a winner with cheese enthusiasts. Burnt Lemon risotto complements the 'Chicken Breast Supreme' beautifully and a rich syrup reduction of ripe Holland tomatoes sweetens the tang - once again, an intelligent use of contrasting flavours that will set palates tingling. To conclude your meal you might want to try the delicious pumpkin brulee. It is a classical interpretation of the homely southern US classic 'pumpkin pie' but served in a slightly more refined French style. Topped with Pecan praline it is simply exquisite. It is immediately evident in the acute quality of the flavours that everything is made from the finest and freshest ingredients and prepared in- house. Everything is made from scratch by the devoted hands of either Shane or Shaun, and you are guaranteed to leave enlightened, enthused and satisfied. Whilst the food is beautifully presented, it is not over fussy. Whilst it offers intriguing combinations of flavours, their origins will be comfortingly familiar. Quite frankly I've haven't enjoyed eating a meal as much since my mother cooked it. And that's saying something. Tel.:+97150 846 3424 www.theloftclubdubai.com
Fine Dining
lotus one option 3.qxp
12/28/2006
4:49 PM
Page 1
Lotus Living
It's not just the prolific and adventurous menu that holds surprises, but the genuine warmth of the welcome is a breath of fresh air in itself. In Dubai's competitive F&B environment that demands the highest levels of service 24-7, the human touch is sadly found to be often robotic. Not so at Lotus One.
A futuristic blend of eatery, cocktail bar and club located at Dubai's Convention Centre, the sharp design and intelligent use of lighting for depth and ambience exudes sophistication and cosmopolitan flair. Executive Chef and menu creator Shane Brierly has put great effort into fashioning a contemporary menu designed to attract the curiosity of any diner - however jaded his or her palate may be. Is it any wonder that the Crocodile Samosa fights for first place with the Kangaroo Fillet as most popular dish on the menu? Or is it more of a surprise that you can also find the traditional Chicken Ceasar alongside quirkier offerings? At weekends, guests will be monstrously lucky to get even a whiff of a starter course, unless a table is booked in advance. The lively Lotus One vibe is wildly popular these days, and once seated for their orders, diners stay firmly put until the night is over and the music has been turned off. This is because Lotus One is not just about food, it's also about great music and letting loose. Large parties of revellers swamp tables, eating, drinking and dancing to the ambient tunes spinning courtesy of the resident house DJ. During the week, a different guest frequents Lotus One. The restaurant's character transforms from the weekends' exuberant bustle, to a relaxed refined destination ideal for the romantic diner or upscale business get together. Mood music plays mutedly in the background and parties of noisy tables are a thing of the past. Integrating itself to perfection as the ideal venue for both party goers, quieter diners and fabulous business lunches too, Lotus One wears its chameleon-like character with effortless elegance. Despite the natural changes in its tempo according to unspoken guest demand, and the fluctuation of the waitlist, one thing remains constant; the unwavering dedication of the staff when tending to their guests. Even on the busiest night, when seven waiters gracefully weave their way through a packed 300-strong throng, they always have the time to explain the menu, pick up a dropped purse, or flash you a smile - a real one. Tel: +9714 329 3200 www.georgev-dubai.com
86
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
87
Fine Dining
lotus one option 3.qxp
12/28/2006
4:49 PM
Page 1
Lotus Living
It's not just the prolific and adventurous menu that holds surprises, but the genuine warmth of the welcome is a breath of fresh air in itself. In Dubai's competitive F&B environment that demands the highest levels of service 24-7, the human touch is sadly found to be often robotic. Not so at Lotus One.
A futuristic blend of eatery, cocktail bar and club located at Dubai's Convention Centre, the sharp design and intelligent use of lighting for depth and ambience exudes sophistication and cosmopolitan flair. Executive Chef and menu creator Shane Brierly has put great effort into fashioning a contemporary menu designed to attract the curiosity of any diner - however jaded his or her palate may be. Is it any wonder that the Crocodile Samosa fights for first place with the Kangaroo Fillet as most popular dish on the menu? Or is it more of a surprise that you can also find the traditional Chicken Ceasar alongside quirkier offerings? At weekends, guests will be monstrously lucky to get even a whiff of a starter course, unless a table is booked in advance. The lively Lotus One vibe is wildly popular these days, and once seated for their orders, diners stay firmly put until the night is over and the music has been turned off. This is because Lotus One is not just about food, it's also about great music and letting loose. Large parties of revellers swamp tables, eating, drinking and dancing to the ambient tunes spinning courtesy of the resident house DJ. During the week, a different guest frequents Lotus One. The restaurant's character transforms from the weekends' exuberant bustle, to a relaxed refined destination ideal for the romantic diner or upscale business get together. Mood music plays mutedly in the background and parties of noisy tables are a thing of the past. Integrating itself to perfection as the ideal venue for both party goers, quieter diners and fabulous business lunches too, Lotus One wears its chameleon-like character with effortless elegance. Despite the natural changes in its tempo according to unspoken guest demand, and the fluctuation of the waitlist, one thing remains constant; the unwavering dedication of the staff when tending to their guests. Even on the busiest night, when seven waiters gracefully weave their way through a packed 300-strong throng, they always have the time to explain the menu, pick up a dropped purse, or flash you a smile - a real one. Tel: +9714 329 3200 www.georgev-dubai.com
86
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
87
“A little fire, a little food and immense fulfilment”. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) US philosopher, poet essayist
CHAPTER 4 Casual Dining
“A little fire, a little food and immense fulfilment”. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) US philosopher, poet essayist
CHAPTER 4 Casual Dining
Casual Dining
BreadTalk “BreadTalk is a combination of unique products and sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle”, says Osama Salhin, President, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.
BreadTalk are totally committed to quality, innovation and customer service.
BreadTalk, one of Singapore’s leading brands has crossed the seas with three new branches in Dubai under the Bin Lahej banner - one in Burjuman, another in Dubai Healthcare City and a third on Airport Road. With more than 110 different types of breads and pastries there is more than a little something for everyone. Osama Salhin, President of Saleh Bin Lahej Group (Hospitality Division), defines BreadTalk as a ‘bakery boutique,’ “a combination of unique products and sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle” this is an apt description and the creamy orange lounge chairs coupled with colourful wall murals enhance the urban look. To add to its décor, BreadTalk have quirky glass-fronted kitchens that allow glimpses of the chefs busy making bread. This punctuates the aroma of the baking goodies and is an utter tease to the appetite. The branch in Dubai Healthcare City has a stainless steel bread bar running through the store, where you can then pile your choices on a tray like plate and request for your bread to be heated up along with the coffee you might have ordered. On the list of favourites are Rocky Milk- a sweet milky bun, Coffee-o – a flaky bun encrusted with a coffee roof, a curry chicken naan that definitely caters to Dubai’s cosmopolitan culture, a pizza bun and a hot tuna turner. These are just a few of the selections on offer. For the more health-inclined BreadTalk also boasts a fantastic rye and multigrain bread and a sure favourite is the Californian raisin bread, which has just the right amount of sweetness and flakiness to make it simply perfect. The best part is that the bread is always fresh, “We never use or sell bread from the night before - this is vital, after all nobody likes stale bread”, Osama Salhin says. Aimed at families, the BreadTalk branches in Dubai are ‘restaurant-like’ which is specially devised to cater to Dubai’s lifestyle where people just do not grab and go, but instead prefer to laze and munch at the same time. Having won awards in the Far East, BreadTalk is set to wow their Middle East customers with affordable prices, fabulous service and naturally delicious treats.
90
Best of Dubai
Dubai Airport Road Tel.: +9714 283 0077 / 283 0055
Best of Dubai
91
Burjuman Tel.: +9714 351 5254 Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4818
Casual Dining
BreadTalk “BreadTalk is a combination of unique products and sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle”, says Osama Salhin, President, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.
BreadTalk are totally committed to quality, innovation and customer service.
BreadTalk, one of Singapore’s leading brands has crossed the seas with three new branches in Dubai under the Bin Lahej banner - one in Burjuman, another in Dubai Healthcare City and a third on Airport Road. With more than 110 different types of breads and pastries there is more than a little something for everyone. Osama Salhin, President of Saleh Bin Lahej Group (Hospitality Division), defines BreadTalk as a ‘bakery boutique,’ “a combination of unique products and sleek design catering to a funky lifestyle” this is an apt description and the creamy orange lounge chairs coupled with colourful wall murals enhance the urban look. To add to its décor, BreadTalk have quirky glass-fronted kitchens that allow glimpses of the chefs busy making bread. This punctuates the aroma of the baking goodies and is an utter tease to the appetite. The branch in Dubai Healthcare City has a stainless steel bread bar running through the store, where you can then pile your choices on a tray like plate and request for your bread to be heated up along with the coffee you might have ordered. On the list of favourites are Rocky Milk- a sweet milky bun, Coffee-o – a flaky bun encrusted with a coffee roof, a curry chicken naan that definitely caters to Dubai’s cosmopolitan culture, a pizza bun and a hot tuna turner. These are just a few of the selections on offer. For the more health-inclined BreadTalk also boasts a fantastic rye and multigrain bread and a sure favourite is the Californian raisin bread, which has just the right amount of sweetness and flakiness to make it simply perfect. The best part is that the bread is always fresh, “We never use or sell bread from the night before - this is vital, after all nobody likes stale bread”, Osama Salhin says. Aimed at families, the BreadTalk branches in Dubai are ‘restaurant-like’ which is specially devised to cater to Dubai’s lifestyle where people just do not grab and go, but instead prefer to laze and munch at the same time. Having won awards in the Far East, BreadTalk is set to wow their Middle East customers with affordable prices, fabulous service and naturally delicious treats.
90
Best of Dubai
Dubai Airport Road Tel.: +9714 283 0077 / 283 0055
Best of Dubai
91
Burjuman Tel.: +9714 351 5254 Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4818
Casual Dining
“What The Pizza Company has successfully managed to do is deliver delicious pizza flavours like the Quatro Fromaggio, the four cheese special, or the ultra varied Super Supreme and to also give more original options too, such as the Tropical Prawn Pizza for instance. Diners love them all and the mega sizes of the pizzas prove just how much too”, he concludes.
The Pizza Company The Pizza Company only uses the best ingredients - with dough rolled out fresh each morning, staying away from anything processed.
Dubai Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4929 Rigga Road Tel.: +9714 229 9391 Al Diyafa Street Tel.: +9714 345 4848
If you thought Pizza was all about tried and tested staples like mozzarella, pepperoni and oregano you’re wrong. At The Pizza Company, it’s also about blending exotic ingredients to create new flavours. Imagine what a Thai Pizza would taste like for example? Lashings of lemongrass and sprinklings of coconut, chillies and prawns, “that’s exactly what the famous ‘Tom Yun Kung’ pizza is all about” says Wesam Shehata, Director of Operations. “The Tom Yum King is our signature pizza and is a favourite in all of our outlets in Dubai. This is because we use only the best ingredients and stay away from anything processed. The novel taste and ultimately, the popularity, is a testament to our unique preparations”, he says. The Pizza Company boasts more traditional selections too. From classic Italian style pizzas to fresh pastas, salads and bakery items to suit every hunger pang. The quality edge with The Pizza Company however, lies in their ability to personalise the offering to suit different tastes. “In this sense we are nothing like a fast food chain where mass catering is the norm. Ours is a family restaurant where everything from the pizza crust varieties, to the appetizers, different breads and pastas are made in-house from scratch”, Shehata explains. Take the starters for instance, the stuffed Calamari are delicious; succulent fresh squid lightly fried to golden perfection. But if it’s a quick nibble of zesty starters that you fancy, then the starter platter with spicy chicken wings and perfectly seasoned potato wedges is a great bet. “Our objective is to encourage diners to be experimental in their choices. So whilst we have the full traditional range of Italian inspired foods, we also have a definite Asian twist in our menu. Our regulars love it”, he says. Coming to breads. Welcome to a carbohydrate-fest that leads you to heaven and back. Particular specialties are the turkey and cheese twists – light pastry and smoked turkey with lashings of 100 per cent pure milk mozzarella, “We have reinvented the simple cheese twist and given it some oomph”, Shehata laughs. The pasta counter faces the main entrance of the Al Dhyiafa Street branch and is all-systemsgo with a specialised Pasta Chef ready to serve a fresh and delicious pasta treat made on the spot. On the menu are staples such as spaghetti with spicy tuna and olive, as well as penne pasta with broccoli and shrimp – both excellent and light on the waistline. If calorie counting is not on the agenda, then stuffed cannelloni with Parmesan cheese in black pepper and tomato sauce is a must. Also worth tasting is the three-cheese tortellini in pesto and cream sauce - very naughty, but nice.
92
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
93
Sharjah Crystal Plaza Tel.: +9716 573 3838
Casual Dining
“What The Pizza Company has successfully managed to do is deliver delicious pizza flavours like the Quatro Fromaggio, the four cheese special, or the ultra varied Super Supreme and to also give more original options too, such as the Tropical Prawn Pizza for instance. Diners love them all and the mega sizes of the pizzas prove just how much too”, he concludes.
The Pizza Company The Pizza Company only uses the best ingredients - with dough rolled out fresh each morning, staying away from anything processed.
Dubai Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4929 Rigga Road Tel.: +9714 229 9391 Al Diyafa Street Tel.: +9714 345 4848
If you thought Pizza was all about tried and tested staples like mozzarella, pepperoni and oregano you’re wrong. At The Pizza Company, it’s also about blending exotic ingredients to create new flavours. Imagine what a Thai Pizza would taste like for example? Lashings of lemongrass and sprinklings of coconut, chillies and prawns, “that’s exactly what the famous ‘Tom Yun Kung’ pizza is all about” says Wesam Shehata, Director of Operations. “The Tom Yum King is our signature pizza and is a favourite in all of our outlets in Dubai. This is because we use only the best ingredients and stay away from anything processed. The novel taste and ultimately, the popularity, is a testament to our unique preparations”, he says. The Pizza Company boasts more traditional selections too. From classic Italian style pizzas to fresh pastas, salads and bakery items to suit every hunger pang. The quality edge with The Pizza Company however, lies in their ability to personalise the offering to suit different tastes. “In this sense we are nothing like a fast food chain where mass catering is the norm. Ours is a family restaurant where everything from the pizza crust varieties, to the appetizers, different breads and pastas are made in-house from scratch”, Shehata explains. Take the starters for instance, the stuffed Calamari are delicious; succulent fresh squid lightly fried to golden perfection. But if it’s a quick nibble of zesty starters that you fancy, then the starter platter with spicy chicken wings and perfectly seasoned potato wedges is a great bet. “Our objective is to encourage diners to be experimental in their choices. So whilst we have the full traditional range of Italian inspired foods, we also have a definite Asian twist in our menu. Our regulars love it”, he says. Coming to breads. Welcome to a carbohydrate-fest that leads you to heaven and back. Particular specialties are the turkey and cheese twists – light pastry and smoked turkey with lashings of 100 per cent pure milk mozzarella, “We have reinvented the simple cheese twist and given it some oomph”, Shehata laughs. The pasta counter faces the main entrance of the Al Dhyiafa Street branch and is all-systemsgo with a specialised Pasta Chef ready to serve a fresh and delicious pasta treat made on the spot. On the menu are staples such as spaghetti with spicy tuna and olive, as well as penne pasta with broccoli and shrimp – both excellent and light on the waistline. If calorie counting is not on the agenda, then stuffed cannelloni with Parmesan cheese in black pepper and tomato sauce is a must. Also worth tasting is the three-cheese tortellini in pesto and cream sauce - very naughty, but nice.
92
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
93
Sharjah Crystal Plaza Tel.: +9716 573 3838
Casual Dining
menus’ fit the bill. With a picture of each dish, no item seems as intimidating or as foreign as it might sound. The staff and management are agreeable and accommodating and for those with allergies or other issues with food - do not hesitate. Black Canyon is willing to go the extra mile and create appealing substitutions for you that taste as good as the original. Elegantly enveloped by a relaxing cream and beige decor, Black Canyon has a serene look to it. All in all, the Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning to international Thai cuisine with its unique fusion dishes that never deviate from the true flavour and essence of Thai cuisine.
Black Canyon Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does not serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with a variety to out do most restaurants.
Dubai Arabian Ranches Tel.: +9714 360 9981 Cinestar (Oscar’s) Tel.: +9714 341 0900 Mall of the Emirates Tel.: +9714 341 3030
The spicy Thai-infused restaurant, Black Canyon Thai Cuisine & Coffee has you aching for the tropics and leaves you begging for more. Having expanded to three branches in Dubai, this Thai original is a sure success in the Far East and thanks to its 100-plus locations worldwide. Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does not serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with variety to outdo most restaurants. Mohamed Saleh, Group Vice Chairman, Saleh Bin Lahej Group, reinforces this, “We are not a coffee house but instead are a café dining restaurant”, he says. However, coffee addicts will appreciate Black Canyon’s vast drinks menu on par with their food menu in terms of choice and quality. Iced coffees, hot coffees, blended coffees, teas, juices and smoothies - Black Canyon has it all. Catering to Dubai’s hot summer are a bevy of healthy juices too. The most popular are the lemon frost and the watermelon frost, both of which are cool and thirst quenching with enough tang to give them sizzle. For those who enjoy a good Thai meal, Black Canyon is the ideal choice. From Eastern to Western cuisine, both styles merge into a delicious fusion such as spaghetti with a green curry or fettuccini with seafood and chili paste. Among authentic Thai dishes, are fried rice with chicken green curry, and rice with spicy seafood and hot basil that is downright delicious. However, traditional steaks and sandwiches are also available, but an absolute must have is the spicy seafood salad, which is extremely refreshing and easy on the waistline. The food at Black Canyon oozes with fresh herbs, spices and natural ingredients that arrive straight from Thailand. This distinguishes Black Canyon from other restaurants that might not always use ingredients that are as fresh. Another point in its favour is that they absolutely do not use Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) in their food. “Use of this additive is often a concern for customers, so all can be assured that this is one Eastern restaurant they do not have to worry about it”, explains Mohamed Saleh. For those plagued with culinary indecision, the ‘magazine
94
Best of Dubai
Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4824 www.blackcanyoncoffee.com
Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning to international Thai cuisine with its unique fusion dishes.
Best of Dubai
95
Casual Dining
menus’ fit the bill. With a picture of each dish, no item seems as intimidating or as foreign as it might sound. The staff and management are agreeable and accommodating and for those with allergies or other issues with food - do not hesitate. Black Canyon is willing to go the extra mile and create appealing substitutions for you that taste as good as the original. Elegantly enveloped by a relaxing cream and beige decor, Black Canyon has a serene look to it. All in all, the Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning to international Thai cuisine with its unique fusion dishes that never deviate from the true flavour and essence of Thai cuisine.
Black Canyon Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does not serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with a variety to out do most restaurants.
Dubai Arabian Ranches Tel.: +9714 360 9981 Cinestar (Oscar’s) Tel.: +9714 341 0900 Mall of the Emirates Tel.: +9714 341 3030
The spicy Thai-infused restaurant, Black Canyon Thai Cuisine & Coffee has you aching for the tropics and leaves you begging for more. Having expanded to three branches in Dubai, this Thai original is a sure success in the Far East and thanks to its 100-plus locations worldwide. Do not be fooled by the name - Black Canyon does not serve as a coffee shop but offers a menu with variety to outdo most restaurants. Mohamed Saleh, Group Vice Chairman, Saleh Bin Lahej Group, reinforces this, “We are not a coffee house but instead are a café dining restaurant”, he says. However, coffee addicts will appreciate Black Canyon’s vast drinks menu on par with their food menu in terms of choice and quality. Iced coffees, hot coffees, blended coffees, teas, juices and smoothies - Black Canyon has it all. Catering to Dubai’s hot summer are a bevy of healthy juices too. The most popular are the lemon frost and the watermelon frost, both of which are cool and thirst quenching with enough tang to give them sizzle. For those who enjoy a good Thai meal, Black Canyon is the ideal choice. From Eastern to Western cuisine, both styles merge into a delicious fusion such as spaghetti with a green curry or fettuccini with seafood and chili paste. Among authentic Thai dishes, are fried rice with chicken green curry, and rice with spicy seafood and hot basil that is downright delicious. However, traditional steaks and sandwiches are also available, but an absolute must have is the spicy seafood salad, which is extremely refreshing and easy on the waistline. The food at Black Canyon oozes with fresh herbs, spices and natural ingredients that arrive straight from Thailand. This distinguishes Black Canyon from other restaurants that might not always use ingredients that are as fresh. Another point in its favour is that they absolutely do not use Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) in their food. “Use of this additive is often a concern for customers, so all can be assured that this is one Eastern restaurant they do not have to worry about it”, explains Mohamed Saleh. For those plagued with culinary indecision, the ‘magazine
94
Best of Dubai
Dubai Healthcare City Tel.: +9714 362 4824 www.blackcanyoncoffee.com
Black Canyon brings a whole new meaning to international Thai cuisine with its unique fusion dishes.
Best of Dubai
95
Casual Dining
Dubai Al Garhoud: +9714 282 8484 Sheikh Zayed Road: +97140-3313113 Jumeirah: +9714 344 1300 Deira City Centre: +9714 295 9559 Dubai Internet City: +9714 390 1495 Healty Care City: +97140-3624820 Green Community: +97140-8853366 Burjuman: +9714 352 2900 Al Ghurair: +9714 229 6760 Mall of the Emirates: +9714 341 3355
Chili’s With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai there is no excuse not to try it out.
Abu Dhabi Mariah Culture Complex: +9712 671 6300 Al Ain Al Jimi Mall: +9713 763 8020 Sharjah Sahara Centre: +9716 531 8890 Mega Mall: +9716 574 0020 Ras Al Khiama Chili's Al Manar Mall: +97170 2288838
Regardless of what you order, you’ll discover that Chili’s always puts an interesting and flavourful twist on the familiar.
Let’s face it – if you love American food, going without it can cause a deep longing. Chili’s is like no place else. It has an energy that you won’t find anywhere and offers a distinct, fresh and flavourful mix of grilled American favourites prepared in a way that keeps guests coming back for more. With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and no less than seven in Dubai, there is no excuse not to try it out. As with all quality franchises, consistency of product is key, and with each outlet, you are guaranteed that the taste will be uniformly good. All the ingredients are imported from the US, except for the vegetables, which explains the American sized portions. So if you are ravenous, Chili’s generously sized portions will certainly fill a hole, but if diet issues predominate, you might wish to select a dish from Chili’s Guiltless Grill range or one of their stunning salads, in that way fabulous range of deserts, which are eminently worth waiting for can be enjoyed. Food aside, Chili’s is also a sound company to work for. Operated by the Bin Lahej Group, the management retain their staff for lengthy periods ensuring high levels of service. Hassan Kamel, Director of Operations, has been with the company for nine years and previously worked for Chili’s Heliopolis in Egypt. He also set up the new Chili’s at Mall of the Emirates which opened last November. Hassan Kamel commented, “Our customers represent a wide mix of nationalities and ages, and Chili’s is one of the most popular restaurants in the Food Court, with 50 seats inside and 110 outside nearly always full”. The most popular dishes are the traditional fajitas and the Molten Chocolate Cake” Hassan Kamel said, and can you believe they serve a staggering 600 meals a day! The menu is a feast for the taste buds. There is a wide selection of starters, but the Triple Play combo is an excellent way of sampling three different starters at once, while the Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of the more healthier options to be recommended. If you still have room after the starters, the choice of main dishes is spectacular, from steaks, fajitas, grilled chicken, fish and beef dishes to burgers and a second selection of favourites. “Trying to get a table full of people to make up their minds on what to order is like herding up cats. Some of my favourites are the Mushroom Jack Fajitas, half a pound of grilled chicken smothered in Monterey Jack cheese and the signature Grilled Shrimp Alfredo”, says Kamel. Chili’s is well worth a visit after a heavy bout of shopping to restore energy levels and quieten any offspring who pester you with, “Can we go home now, Mum?”
96
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
97
Casual Dining
Dubai Al Garhoud: +9714 282 8484 Sheikh Zayed Road: +97140-3313113 Jumeirah: +9714 344 1300 Deira City Centre: +9714 295 9559 Dubai Internet City: +9714 390 1495 Healty Care City: +97140-3624820 Green Community: +97140-8853366 Burjuman: +9714 352 2900 Al Ghurair: +9714 229 6760 Mall of the Emirates: +9714 341 3355
Chili’s With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai there is no excuse not to try it out.
Abu Dhabi Mariah Culture Complex: +9712 671 6300 Al Ain Al Jimi Mall: +9713 763 8020 Sharjah Sahara Centre: +9716 531 8890 Mega Mall: +9716 574 0020 Ras Al Khiama Chili's Al Manar Mall: +97170 2288838
Regardless of what you order, you’ll discover that Chili’s always puts an interesting and flavourful twist on the familiar.
Let’s face it – if you love American food, going without it can cause a deep longing. Chili’s is like no place else. It has an energy that you won’t find anywhere and offers a distinct, fresh and flavourful mix of grilled American favourites prepared in a way that keeps guests coming back for more. With outlets in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, and no less than seven in Dubai, there is no excuse not to try it out. As with all quality franchises, consistency of product is key, and with each outlet, you are guaranteed that the taste will be uniformly good. All the ingredients are imported from the US, except for the vegetables, which explains the American sized portions. So if you are ravenous, Chili’s generously sized portions will certainly fill a hole, but if diet issues predominate, you might wish to select a dish from Chili’s Guiltless Grill range or one of their stunning salads, in that way fabulous range of deserts, which are eminently worth waiting for can be enjoyed. Food aside, Chili’s is also a sound company to work for. Operated by the Bin Lahej Group, the management retain their staff for lengthy periods ensuring high levels of service. Hassan Kamel, Director of Operations, has been with the company for nine years and previously worked for Chili’s Heliopolis in Egypt. He also set up the new Chili’s at Mall of the Emirates which opened last November. Hassan Kamel commented, “Our customers represent a wide mix of nationalities and ages, and Chili’s is one of the most popular restaurants in the Food Court, with 50 seats inside and 110 outside nearly always full”. The most popular dishes are the traditional fajitas and the Molten Chocolate Cake” Hassan Kamel said, and can you believe they serve a staggering 600 meals a day! The menu is a feast for the taste buds. There is a wide selection of starters, but the Triple Play combo is an excellent way of sampling three different starters at once, while the Quesadilla Explosion Salad is one of the more healthier options to be recommended. If you still have room after the starters, the choice of main dishes is spectacular, from steaks, fajitas, grilled chicken, fish and beef dishes to burgers and a second selection of favourites. “Trying to get a table full of people to make up their minds on what to order is like herding up cats. Some of my favourites are the Mushroom Jack Fajitas, half a pound of grilled chicken smothered in Monterey Jack cheese and the signature Grilled Shrimp Alfredo”, says Kamel. Chili’s is well worth a visit after a heavy bout of shopping to restore energy levels and quieten any offspring who pester you with, “Can we go home now, Mum?”
96
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
97
Casual Dining
French Connection.qxp
12/28/2006
11:28 AM
Page 1
Croissant Connoisseurs Ambience and overall menu options aside, the test of an impeccable coffee shop is the quality of its croissants. At this Gallic inspired bakery, established in 1997, to-die for croissants are their raison d’etre. With many delicious varieties to bite into, breakfasts and snacks have taken on a whole new dimension. Farida Bahar
Connection Café revolutionised the café culture and introduced free wireless Internet access from any hot spot within its premises, hence the name ‘Connection’. In the same year, this popular eatery opened its own bakery, to cater to all three café’s daily requirements. All products are hand made on a daily basis, to ensure the highest quality. For instance, over 12 types of bread are baked early every morning along with a multitude of other sumptuous delights, all of which beautifully compliment an extensive and cosmopolitan selection. Apart from the a la Carte menu service, daily specials are popular. Part of the French Connection’s ethos is that this family owned business extends the essence of its close-knit feel to include employees too. This philosophy is considered paramount to be able to deliver the personal hospitality one would expect when being welcomed into any family home. “Our employees are an extension to our family and help us reach our commitment to providing a delightful experience whenever our guests visit our outlets. Families always want the best for their guests and this is reflected in our perseverance in offering, without ever sacrificing, exceptionally high quality of cold and hot beverages, homemade bakery products, and café food”, says a spokesperson for this trendy rendezvous spot. In addition to the frequently found bakery goods popular in most café’s, French Connection prepares signature cakes and pastries that are both available in store or to order. Special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries can be catered and menus created to compliment any occasion. Free delivery is available to all customers large or small, for a convenient way to enjoy French Connection’s hospitality in the comfort of your own home. Speciality foods from France and other corners of Europe are available in store and are found abundantly, adorning the front counters. Many internationally famous brands are offered, like Carambar Candy, Malabar Gum, authentic French Foie Gras, Le Moeleux dry fruits from Turkey, Mestemacher pumpernickel bread from Germany and many other goodies which provide customers from far and wide with either a much longed for taste from home, or the adventurous indulger with an exciting and tempting discovery. Currently one can find one of these fashionable café’s in three locations within Dubai, and has recently added franchise opportunities to any top entrepreneurs wanting to join on the bandwagon of its café concept success. Needless to say, whether it is to grab a fleeting business lunch, a quiet morning coffee, or a mouth-watering bakery delight, the lively yet relaxing surroundings with the comforting rumble of distant chatter, makes French Connection Café the tastiest venue in town. Croissants included.
Since French Connection opened its flagship café on Sheikh Zayed Road, it has become a landmark, consistently innovating its image and range. This has allowed the traditional café concept to be upgraded, welcoming guests in a contemporary but relaxing environment that offers the freshest of products and services. Inspired by Europe and its diverse gastronomic favourites, French Connection’s walls are brightly adorned with rough cast renditions of Picasso prints, a colourful and lively reminder that has become part of the café’s trademark. With a 120 seating capacity, a roaring made-to-order and outside catering division, this café’s entrepreneurial owner Basil Bahar envisioned a future trend for working breakfasts and lunches and saw the potential for offering an Internet service to his guests too. Therefore, in 2003, French
98
Best of Dubai
Tel.: +9714 343 8311 www.fcdubai.com
Best of Dubai
99
Casual Dining
French Connection.qxp
12/28/2006
11:28 AM
Page 1
Croissant Connoisseurs Ambience and overall menu options aside, the test of an impeccable coffee shop is the quality of its croissants. At this Gallic inspired bakery, established in 1997, to-die for croissants are their raison d’etre. With many delicious varieties to bite into, breakfasts and snacks have taken on a whole new dimension. Farida Bahar
Connection Café revolutionised the café culture and introduced free wireless Internet access from any hot spot within its premises, hence the name ‘Connection’. In the same year, this popular eatery opened its own bakery, to cater to all three café’s daily requirements. All products are hand made on a daily basis, to ensure the highest quality. For instance, over 12 types of bread are baked early every morning along with a multitude of other sumptuous delights, all of which beautifully compliment an extensive and cosmopolitan selection. Apart from the a la Carte menu service, daily specials are popular. Part of the French Connection’s ethos is that this family owned business extends the essence of its close-knit feel to include employees too. This philosophy is considered paramount to be able to deliver the personal hospitality one would expect when being welcomed into any family home. “Our employees are an extension to our family and help us reach our commitment to providing a delightful experience whenever our guests visit our outlets. Families always want the best for their guests and this is reflected in our perseverance in offering, without ever sacrificing, exceptionally high quality of cold and hot beverages, homemade bakery products, and café food”, says a spokesperson for this trendy rendezvous spot. In addition to the frequently found bakery goods popular in most café’s, French Connection prepares signature cakes and pastries that are both available in store or to order. Special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries can be catered and menus created to compliment any occasion. Free delivery is available to all customers large or small, for a convenient way to enjoy French Connection’s hospitality in the comfort of your own home. Speciality foods from France and other corners of Europe are available in store and are found abundantly, adorning the front counters. Many internationally famous brands are offered, like Carambar Candy, Malabar Gum, authentic French Foie Gras, Le Moeleux dry fruits from Turkey, Mestemacher pumpernickel bread from Germany and many other goodies which provide customers from far and wide with either a much longed for taste from home, or the adventurous indulger with an exciting and tempting discovery. Currently one can find one of these fashionable café’s in three locations within Dubai, and has recently added franchise opportunities to any top entrepreneurs wanting to join on the bandwagon of its café concept success. Needless to say, whether it is to grab a fleeting business lunch, a quiet morning coffee, or a mouth-watering bakery delight, the lively yet relaxing surroundings with the comforting rumble of distant chatter, makes French Connection Café the tastiest venue in town. Croissants included.
Since French Connection opened its flagship café on Sheikh Zayed Road, it has become a landmark, consistently innovating its image and range. This has allowed the traditional café concept to be upgraded, welcoming guests in a contemporary but relaxing environment that offers the freshest of products and services. Inspired by Europe and its diverse gastronomic favourites, French Connection’s walls are brightly adorned with rough cast renditions of Picasso prints, a colourful and lively reminder that has become part of the café’s trademark. With a 120 seating capacity, a roaring made-to-order and outside catering division, this café’s entrepreneurial owner Basil Bahar envisioned a future trend for working breakfasts and lunches and saw the potential for offering an Internet service to his guests too. Therefore, in 2003, French
98
Best of Dubai
Tel.: +9714 343 8311 www.fcdubai.com
Best of Dubai
99
Casual Dining
LISA-Mille Miglia 8.qxp
12/28/2006
4:54 PM
Page 1
Café Zooms In With a following of avid gastronomes since its inception two years ago, Mille Miglia Restaurant and Cafe recently celebrated its second anniversary by launching its new 'Café-Librairie' - another milestone in proprietor Jocelyne Chidiac's road to good food, good cheer and good vibes.
Located on the ground floor of API Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, Mille Miglia Café is a spacious loft-style café with a staircase that leads up to the city's first all-French bookstore in the heart of the city. The café also continues with the automobile theme that her eatery helped popularise in this part of the world. Indeed, Mille Miglia was the annual road race held in Italy for sports cars built between 1927 and 1957. Nowadays it's a parade for pre-1957 cars covering 1000 miles. Great food, service and convenience aside, an original feature of Mille Miglia Restaurant and Café are cars. "They are my passion", says Millie Miglia proprietor, Jocelyne Chidiac. "I learnt a lot about cars from my father and brothers and eventually worked for a renowned auto company in Dubai for nine years. One day I got the idea to open a restaurant dedicated to people interested in cars. I spent time entertaining clients and educating them on all there is to know about cars and the different and unique options available, and I thought to myself, “why not combine the two and create something unique?" That's exactly what this ebullient Lebanese powerhouse did. The restaurant proved such a success that it brought the itch for Chidiac to try her hand at a new project. "We had a space that had been vacant for a while. I was waiting for the perfect idea. Then a friend wanted to open a French bookstore and I thought that would go beautifully with a café idea I had in mind. Since I also love reading and like to be surrounded by cultural minds in a cultural environment - it was an ideal combination." It's a marriage made in heaven, perusing the book selection upstairs and then venturing downstairs to read, nibble and enjoy a delectable selection from café au lait, croissants, crepes and fresh fruits dipped in the chocolate fountain, to more besides. Alternatively, something more substantial can be had from the nearby Mille Miglia restaurant next door. As it turns out, Mille Miglia is not simply about a 'theme', it's about tasty food in a convivial atmosphere. Two top chefs were
Mille Miglia is not simply about a 'theme', it's about tasty food in a convivial atmosphere.
100
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
101
Jocelyne Chidiac, owner of Mille Miglia
flown in from Lebanon for consultation prior to the opening and, while the menu has changed several times, the attention and quality that goes into creating and preparing each dish remains. "I supervise and help in the kitchen everyday and I set the daily menu too", she adds. The atmosphere, like the owner, is warm and friendly, with customers frequently commenting on how they ‘feel at home in the café.’ This, no doubt, is why in such a short time the café has become a popular host for birthday parties, office bashes, poetry evenings, paintings displays, book club meetings, games nights and other celebrations too. Couple this with the restaurant's gorgeous 2000 square meter garden courtyard, which comes into its own during cooler months, with shisha smoking galore and a more Arabian twist to the overall ambience and it is easy to understand why Mille Miglia is an inimitable haven in the heart of Dubai. Tel.: +9714 331 6288 E-mail :
[email protected]
Casual Dining
LISA-Mille Miglia 8.qxp
12/28/2006
4:54 PM
Page 1
Café Zooms In With a following of avid gastronomes since its inception two years ago, Mille Miglia Restaurant and Cafe recently celebrated its second anniversary by launching its new 'Café-Librairie' - another milestone in proprietor Jocelyne Chidiac's road to good food, good cheer and good vibes.
Located on the ground floor of API Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, Mille Miglia Café is a spacious loft-style café with a staircase that leads up to the city's first all-French bookstore in the heart of the city. The café also continues with the automobile theme that her eatery helped popularise in this part of the world. Indeed, Mille Miglia was the annual road race held in Italy for sports cars built between 1927 and 1957. Nowadays it's a parade for pre-1957 cars covering 1000 miles. Great food, service and convenience aside, an original feature of Mille Miglia Restaurant and Café are cars. "They are my passion", says Millie Miglia proprietor, Jocelyne Chidiac. "I learnt a lot about cars from my father and brothers and eventually worked for a renowned auto company in Dubai for nine years. One day I got the idea to open a restaurant dedicated to people interested in cars. I spent time entertaining clients and educating them on all there is to know about cars and the different and unique options available, and I thought to myself, “why not combine the two and create something unique?" That's exactly what this ebullient Lebanese powerhouse did. The restaurant proved such a success that it brought the itch for Chidiac to try her hand at a new project. "We had a space that had been vacant for a while. I was waiting for the perfect idea. Then a friend wanted to open a French bookstore and I thought that would go beautifully with a café idea I had in mind. Since I also love reading and like to be surrounded by cultural minds in a cultural environment - it was an ideal combination." It's a marriage made in heaven, perusing the book selection upstairs and then venturing downstairs to read, nibble and enjoy a delectable selection from café au lait, croissants, crepes and fresh fruits dipped in the chocolate fountain, to more besides. Alternatively, something more substantial can be had from the nearby Mille Miglia restaurant next door. As it turns out, Mille Miglia is not simply about a 'theme', it's about tasty food in a convivial atmosphere. Two top chefs were
Mille Miglia is not simply about a 'theme', it's about tasty food in a convivial atmosphere.
100
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
101
Jocelyne Chidiac, owner of Mille Miglia
flown in from Lebanon for consultation prior to the opening and, while the menu has changed several times, the attention and quality that goes into creating and preparing each dish remains. "I supervise and help in the kitchen everyday and I set the daily menu too", she adds. The atmosphere, like the owner, is warm and friendly, with customers frequently commenting on how they ‘feel at home in the café.’ This, no doubt, is why in such a short time the café has become a popular host for birthday parties, office bashes, poetry evenings, paintings displays, book club meetings, games nights and other celebrations too. Couple this with the restaurant's gorgeous 2000 square meter garden courtyard, which comes into its own during cooler months, with shisha smoking galore and a more Arabian twist to the overall ambience and it is easy to understand why Mille Miglia is an inimitable haven in the heart of Dubai. Tel.: +9714 331 6288 E-mail :
[email protected]
Casual Dining
Ahead in Red Testa Rossa Caffè in Pole Position. The success story of the Wedl & Hofmann Trading House and Testa Rossa Caffè is the stuff that dreams are made of. Started in 1904 when Leopold Wedl decided to open the doors of 'Unterer Stadtplatz 9a' House, he dealt in prime coffee beans, fresh and frozen products as well as beverages. Soon his idea of a convenient delivery service to customers became a hit, and the rest is history...
Testa Rossa coffee is produced in their own Italian Roastery, a lovingly blended espresso from five of the most precious, low-acid and highest qualities of Arabica highland coffees, it has elevated the concept of a cup of coffee to an art.
Over the years thanks to the sound business acumen of Leopold II and III inherited from their father Leopold Wedl I, the growth of the business through two world wars and difficult times was ensured. The rapid expansion to its present size came under the wise directives of the current President of the holding company, Leopold Wedl the IV, who has been at the helm of this family business since 1981. With Leopold Wedl V as a present Board Member, the subsequent generation is already in place to take the company into the next century and beyond. In 2004, the Wedl & Hofmann Holding Austria proudly celebrated their 100th anniversary. Growing into to a vast and diversified enterprise consisting of over 20 companies with over 1.800 employees and a total turn over of approx Euro 351 million, a wealth of celebrities from political, sporting and social echelons present at the official ceremony showed the importance of the Wedl Holding and the honour it holds as a vibrant force in the Austrian economy. Epitomising the unmistakable pleasure and enjoyment of the true Italian Espresso culture and tradition, the Testa Rossa Caffè was launched in 1988. Today it boasts 90 outlets in over 10 countries. With plans to extend the franchise further, another 50-60 outlets are being developed to capitalise on the top grade brand and the exclusive and modern look, targeting higher-range customers with a recognisable value and a beverage to die for. The flair and pleasure of true coffee culture and tradition combined with creativity and top service is guaranteed. The Italian lifestyle and atmosphere underscored by the stunning interiors created out of a mix of old traditional and natural materials give the
102
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
103
Caffebar a special warm feel. From the UK, France, Spain and Poland the international expansion of the franchise concept started in 2004 with the incorporation of the subsidiary office in Dubai by Gerhard Griebel, Managing Director of Testa Rossa Caffè Middle East. "I embraced the opportunity to bring this brand to this part of the world because this young and vibrant market offers tremendous scope for growth", he explains. In addition, the potential of the brand in the next five years is enormous within the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent seeing a minimum of 450 Caffebars in this region. In 2006, Testa Rossa Caffè signed a partnership for 12 countries in the Middle East to be developed in a Joint Venture company named Samama TR FZCO, based in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. One of the 100 largest companies in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh based Samama Group of Companies with their owners Prince Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Kabir Al Saud and Sheikh Nasser Mohammed H. Al Otaibi was established in 1979 and has 16.500 employees with a total contract volume of SR 6.5 Billion. Samama is planning to take the the Testa Rossa Caffè concept to pole position in the Middle East. The first four outlets, including the Flagship Caffebar at Dubai International Financial Centre are already under construction. "The Middle East development plan sees an additional 15 Caffebars in 2007, as well as about 100 Shops to be opened in the following four years", he concludes. Tel.: +9714 887 2511 www.testarossacaffe.com
Casual Dining
Ahead in Red Testa Rossa Caffè in Pole Position. The success story of the Wedl & Hofmann Trading House and Testa Rossa Caffè is the stuff that dreams are made of. Started in 1904 when Leopold Wedl decided to open the doors of 'Unterer Stadtplatz 9a' House, he dealt in prime coffee beans, fresh and frozen products as well as beverages. Soon his idea of a convenient delivery service to customers became a hit, and the rest is history...
Testa Rossa coffee is produced in their own Italian Roastery, a lovingly blended espresso from five of the most precious, low-acid and highest qualities of Arabica highland coffees, it has elevated the concept of a cup of coffee to an art.
Over the years thanks to the sound business acumen of Leopold II and III inherited from their father Leopold Wedl I, the growth of the business through two world wars and difficult times was ensured. The rapid expansion to its present size came under the wise directives of the current President of the holding company, Leopold Wedl the IV, who has been at the helm of this family business since 1981. With Leopold Wedl V as a present Board Member, the subsequent generation is already in place to take the company into the next century and beyond. In 2004, the Wedl & Hofmann Holding Austria proudly celebrated their 100th anniversary. Growing into to a vast and diversified enterprise consisting of over 20 companies with over 1.800 employees and a total turn over of approx Euro 351 million, a wealth of celebrities from political, sporting and social echelons present at the official ceremony showed the importance of the Wedl Holding and the honour it holds as a vibrant force in the Austrian economy. Epitomising the unmistakable pleasure and enjoyment of the true Italian Espresso culture and tradition, the Testa Rossa Caffè was launched in 1988. Today it boasts 90 outlets in over 10 countries. With plans to extend the franchise further, another 50-60 outlets are being developed to capitalise on the top grade brand and the exclusive and modern look, targeting higher-range customers with a recognisable value and a beverage to die for. The flair and pleasure of true coffee culture and tradition combined with creativity and top service is guaranteed. The Italian lifestyle and atmosphere underscored by the stunning interiors created out of a mix of old traditional and natural materials give the
102
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
103
Caffebar a special warm feel. From the UK, France, Spain and Poland the international expansion of the franchise concept started in 2004 with the incorporation of the subsidiary office in Dubai by Gerhard Griebel, Managing Director of Testa Rossa Caffè Middle East. "I embraced the opportunity to bring this brand to this part of the world because this young and vibrant market offers tremendous scope for growth", he explains. In addition, the potential of the brand in the next five years is enormous within the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent seeing a minimum of 450 Caffebars in this region. In 2006, Testa Rossa Caffè signed a partnership for 12 countries in the Middle East to be developed in a Joint Venture company named Samama TR FZCO, based in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. One of the 100 largest companies in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh based Samama Group of Companies with their owners Prince Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Kabir Al Saud and Sheikh Nasser Mohammed H. Al Otaibi was established in 1979 and has 16.500 employees with a total contract volume of SR 6.5 Billion. Samama is planning to take the the Testa Rossa Caffè concept to pole position in the Middle East. The first four outlets, including the Flagship Caffebar at Dubai International Financial Centre are already under construction. "The Middle East development plan sees an additional 15 Caffebars in 2007, as well as about 100 Shops to be opened in the following four years", he concludes. Tel.: +9714 887 2511 www.testarossacaffe.com
"The secret to the success of DIMC is that we have no room for compromise, everything is planned in advance down to the last detail. Our facilities have proved to be among the best in the world." HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, DIMC
CHAPTER 5 Travel, Tours & Leisure
"The secret to the success of DIMC is that we have no room for compromise, everything is planned in advance down to the last detail. Our facilities have proved to be among the best in the world." HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, DIMC
CHAPTER 5 Travel, Tours & Leisure
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Seafaring Revolution Dubai has become a centre of excellence in the field of exhibition and event organisation. Dubai - A Centre of Excellence in Event Organisation It is the destination of choice for international business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions and events, hosting major global events such as the annual meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2003. This was the world’s largest financial event - over15,340 delegates were accommodated in the 8100 square meter space. The success of this event, dubbed the ‘Financial Olympics,’ prompted Dubai to bid for the 2016 Olympics. In 2006, Dubai beat Miami, Bucharest and Sydney to host the much coveted International Advertising Association’s 40th World Congress. In the longer term, the Dubai government plans to build Dubai Exhibition City at Jebel Ali Airport City. The Dh8 billion (US$ 2.17 billion) project, launched in May 2005 on a 3 million square meter plot, will be the world’s largest display space. Consummate organisers on the global scale, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) excels in the fields of Offshore Powerboat racing, yachting, jet-skiing, traditional rowing, wooden powerboating, keel boat and dhow races, as well as event management. Dubai’s Victory Team, one of the world’s most successful power boating teams, has won six World Championships. For three years in a row, DIMC was awarded the prestigious ‘Best Organiser in the World’ prize for its organisation of international races from the world’s governing body for Offshore Powerboat racing - the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).
Saeed Hareb, Managing Director Dubai International Marine Club
Best of Dubai
002
DIMC and Mina Seyahi Established in 1990, DIMC was the first Arab organisation to be granted full membership of the UIM. The management committee is impressive with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Avation and Chairman Emirates Group at its helm. His deputy, Major General Saif Al Shaffar, is Undersecretary at the Ministry of the Interior, and Colonel Saeed Hareb acts as Managing Director. The undisputed ‘motor’ behind this organisation, Hareb has developed an international reputation for excellence in boat race organisation. Born into a family of leading seafarers; his father was a sailor and his grandfather Sardal (Al Amlah), was a guide for pearl divers. In addition to his many commitments, he still runs the family boat design business, ‘Hareb Marine’. His pride in Dubai’s heritage led him to commission the painting of a mural on one of his office walls depicting an idyllic scene of a sleepy fishing village which, he tells me, is where he grew up. The rest of his office is very much rooted in 21st century, resembling the interior of a luxury yacht. The charismatic Hareb, recently voted best dressed man in Dubai, greets me in white jeans and elegant shirt. Hareb’s fashion philosophy is understated sophistication, and he exudes this quality in all that he does. His involvement in DIMC was fortuitous: in 1990, he attended a boat race at Mina Seyahi on which DIMC is now built. There, he met and impressed Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who made Hareb Managing Director of DIMC, with the task of creating rules for races. DIMC’s origins were humble. At first they occupied a small office in Al Dhiyafah Street, but before long, Hareb had moved them to the slightly more upscale surroundings of a Dh 20,000 Portakabin on the Mina Seyahi strip. Hareb points out that Mina Seyahi (meaning Tourist Harbour in Arabic) was aptly named by the father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, over forty years ago, before development of this tiny Emirate had even started. This is another example of the visionary nature of the Royal Families, who have revolutionised the UAE. By 1994, development of a marina and clubhouse started. Hareb’s commercial acumen led him to take a two-pronged approach. A watersports centre was built for boat races, and a clubhouse and commercial marina developed where boats could be moored all year round. Since boat racing could only ever be a seasonal enterprise, the marina was to provide a more regular source of income for DIMC. Rather than discarding the Portakabin, the resourceful Hareb covered it in palm leaves and named it ‘Barasti Bar.’ It is now one of the most popular bars in Dubai. By 1996, work had started on the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, which was the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who cleverly suggested that a hotel on this idyllic strip of beach would be the best way to generate money for DIMC. Now established as one of the premier hotels in Dubai, this government-owned hotel’s financial raison d’etre is to run DIMC,
106
Best of Dubai
and it does so very successfully. The symbiotic relationship between the hotel and DIMC is not common knowledge, but Hareb is keen to bring it to light. Hareb is closely involved in the running of the hotel, and tells me it is going to expand with a 300-room extension later this year. A Success Story Under Hareb’s leadership, each year DIMC hosts a stage of the UIM Class 1 World Offshore Powerboat Championship with the Dubai Grand Prix. The competition offers unrelenting drama and excitement with contestants from 11 countries. Hareb is a celebrity on the Offshore Powerboat racing circuit. As early as 2000, he authored organisational guidelines that were accepted by UIM as official guidelines for all international races. He is also regularly called upon by UIM to organise international races in Europe. Until recently, he has held senior positions within the UIM, including UIM Permanent Commissioner, which saw him travelling around the world overseeing Class 1 Powerboat races and was elected as Chairman of the International Offshore Commission (COMINOFF), for the Class 1, 2 and 3 categories of races. His resignation from the UIM due to an internal management disagreement has come as a blow to the international racing community. Hareb cites the support of Dubai’s Royal family as key to the success of DIMC. For him, more important than the Maktoum family’s financial contribution has been their passion for water-sports, which has had a profound influence on the way the industry has developed. “They are not just morally supporting DIMC, they are physically present, often attending and supporting DIMC events,” he says. Watersports has always been viewed as one of the ways to put Dubai on the international map, and as DIMC’s Managing Director, Hareb was given carte blanche to develop the DIMC brand internationally. Hareb’s modest nature makes him reluctant to take personal credit for DIMC’s success. However, reading between the lines, it is clear that Hareb is a dynamo in the area of race organisation and management.
Best of Dubai
107
Hareb brings discipline, patience and attention to detail to boat race organisation, qualities, he says he picked up during his 20year career in the army. “Nerves and time are my enemy, if these control me I loose everything,” he tells me. Races are planned with military precision. In a typical race, many interdependent factors are simultaneously at play. Aside from the boats, which number hundreds and sometimes thousands, sea conditions, rescue services, and media helicopters need critical direction. However, not once in his long career has Hareb lost his nerve. He uses powerful visualisation techniques to overcome them: “visualise the nerves as another person and tell them to get lost !” Hareb is at pains to point out that he owes a lot to his team at DIMC. He believes in delegation and trust. His egalitarian nature leads him to treat everyone with respect and he displays none of the arrogance of leadership. Hareb cites his humility as a product of his Islamic faith, and this approach seems to have worked. Over the last 16 years, he has built a solid and loyal group of dedicated staff, some of whom have been with him for as long as he has been at DIMC.
The dhows are fashioned in exactly the same way as those used by the pearl sailors of yesteryear, with the races divided into three classes of 22, 43 and 60 feet. The events have become a family affair over the years and since each boat must have a crew of at least ten, it is not uncommon for up to four generations of the same family to be involved.
Dubais Sailing Heritage Dubai’s heritage of dhow (traditional wooden trading vessels) sailing emerged with the development of the pearling industry. The support of the Royal family has been key to maintaining this tradition. It was His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Maktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who conceived the idea of traditional dhow racing in both sailing and rowing categories. As the current moral custodian of this tradition, Hareb is passionate about preserving the past. The annual dhow racing competitions he organises are as important to him as the high profile inter-national events. For Hareb, the dhow sailing races are without a doubt the most spectacular events on the watersports calendar. He is delighted that the dhow-racing season has grown steadily in recent years and now involves a greater number of participants than ever before - estimated to be around 3000.
A Family Man Outside of DIMC, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, the family business and his international commitments, Hareb is also a devoted father of five. Sadly, he lost his wife in 1997 but his spare time is spent catching up with his children and instilling in them a sense of pride in their heritage. “I have instilled in all my five children Mohammed, Sultan, Shamsa, Ayesha and Hareb the same values that my parents and grandparents instilled in me. More than wealth and financial achievements, what counts is the good name handed down from generation to generation”. Aside from his grandfather and father, who else does Hareb admire? He takes little time to think about it: “Sheikh Mohammed, he is an inspirational leader. His presence is every-where. He is involved in every aspect of Dubai, he is a visionary”.
The Future Hareb is not complacent about his success; his greatest challenge is to maintain the world class standards he has established for DIMC. Amongst DIMC’s up and coming projects is the establishment of a sailing academy, which will provide the infrastructure and facilities for world class sailing teams to train throughout the year. New Zealand‘s team have already reserved a place. The academy’s other purpose is to build a world-class UAE national sailing team, similar to the Victory Team. After that, the sky’s the limit for Hareb. He has been told by a leading Olympic games official that “Dubai’s sea is the world’s best water stadium.” The ultimate challenge for Hareb will be to host the Olympic watersports and sailing championships. With his indomitable spirit, he is likely to succeed.
Tel.: +9714 399 5777 www.dimc-uae.com
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Seafaring Revolution Dubai has become a centre of excellence in the field of exhibition and event organisation. Dubai - A Centre of Excellence in Event Organisation It is the destination of choice for international business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions and events, hosting major global events such as the annual meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2003. This was the world’s largest financial event - over15,340 delegates were accommodated in the 8100 square meter space. The success of this event, dubbed the ‘Financial Olympics,’ prompted Dubai to bid for the 2016 Olympics. In 2006, Dubai beat Miami, Bucharest and Sydney to host the much coveted International Advertising Association’s 40th World Congress. In the longer term, the Dubai government plans to build Dubai Exhibition City at Jebel Ali Airport City. The Dh8 billion (US$ 2.17 billion) project, launched in May 2005 on a 3 million square meter plot, will be the world’s largest display space. Consummate organisers on the global scale, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) excels in the fields of Offshore Powerboat racing, yachting, jet-skiing, traditional rowing, wooden powerboating, keel boat and dhow races, as well as event management. Dubai’s Victory Team, one of the world’s most successful power boating teams, has won six World Championships. For three years in a row, DIMC was awarded the prestigious ‘Best Organiser in the World’ prize for its organisation of international races from the world’s governing body for Offshore Powerboat racing - the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).
Saeed Hareb, Managing Director Dubai International Marine Club
Best of Dubai
002
DIMC and Mina Seyahi Established in 1990, DIMC was the first Arab organisation to be granted full membership of the UIM. The management committee is impressive with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Dubai Civil Avation and Chairman Emirates Group at its helm. His deputy, Major General Saif Al Shaffar, is Undersecretary at the Ministry of the Interior, and Colonel Saeed Hareb acts as Managing Director. The undisputed ‘motor’ behind this organisation, Hareb has developed an international reputation for excellence in boat race organisation. Born into a family of leading seafarers; his father was a sailor and his grandfather Sardal (Al Amlah), was a guide for pearl divers. In addition to his many commitments, he still runs the family boat design business, ‘Hareb Marine’. His pride in Dubai’s heritage led him to commission the painting of a mural on one of his office walls depicting an idyllic scene of a sleepy fishing village which, he tells me, is where he grew up. The rest of his office is very much rooted in 21st century, resembling the interior of a luxury yacht. The charismatic Hareb, recently voted best dressed man in Dubai, greets me in white jeans and elegant shirt. Hareb’s fashion philosophy is understated sophistication, and he exudes this quality in all that he does. His involvement in DIMC was fortuitous: in 1990, he attended a boat race at Mina Seyahi on which DIMC is now built. There, he met and impressed Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who made Hareb Managing Director of DIMC, with the task of creating rules for races. DIMC’s origins were humble. At first they occupied a small office in Al Dhiyafah Street, but before long, Hareb had moved them to the slightly more upscale surroundings of a Dh 20,000 Portakabin on the Mina Seyahi strip. Hareb points out that Mina Seyahi (meaning Tourist Harbour in Arabic) was aptly named by the father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, over forty years ago, before development of this tiny Emirate had even started. This is another example of the visionary nature of the Royal Families, who have revolutionised the UAE. By 1994, development of a marina and clubhouse started. Hareb’s commercial acumen led him to take a two-pronged approach. A watersports centre was built for boat races, and a clubhouse and commercial marina developed where boats could be moored all year round. Since boat racing could only ever be a seasonal enterprise, the marina was to provide a more regular source of income for DIMC. Rather than discarding the Portakabin, the resourceful Hareb covered it in palm leaves and named it ‘Barasti Bar.’ It is now one of the most popular bars in Dubai. By 1996, work had started on the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, which was the brainchild of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who cleverly suggested that a hotel on this idyllic strip of beach would be the best way to generate money for DIMC. Now established as one of the premier hotels in Dubai, this government-owned hotel’s financial raison d’etre is to run DIMC,
106
Best of Dubai
and it does so very successfully. The symbiotic relationship between the hotel and DIMC is not common knowledge, but Hareb is keen to bring it to light. Hareb is closely involved in the running of the hotel, and tells me it is going to expand with a 300-room extension later this year. A Success Story Under Hareb’s leadership, each year DIMC hosts a stage of the UIM Class 1 World Offshore Powerboat Championship with the Dubai Grand Prix. The competition offers unrelenting drama and excitement with contestants from 11 countries. Hareb is a celebrity on the Offshore Powerboat racing circuit. As early as 2000, he authored organisational guidelines that were accepted by UIM as official guidelines for all international races. He is also regularly called upon by UIM to organise international races in Europe. Until recently, he has held senior positions within the UIM, including UIM Permanent Commissioner, which saw him travelling around the world overseeing Class 1 Powerboat races and was elected as Chairman of the International Offshore Commission (COMINOFF), for the Class 1, 2 and 3 categories of races. His resignation from the UIM due to an internal management disagreement has come as a blow to the international racing community. Hareb cites the support of Dubai’s Royal family as key to the success of DIMC. For him, more important than the Maktoum family’s financial contribution has been their passion for water-sports, which has had a profound influence on the way the industry has developed. “They are not just morally supporting DIMC, they are physically present, often attending and supporting DIMC events,” he says. Watersports has always been viewed as one of the ways to put Dubai on the international map, and as DIMC’s Managing Director, Hareb was given carte blanche to develop the DIMC brand internationally. Hareb’s modest nature makes him reluctant to take personal credit for DIMC’s success. However, reading between the lines, it is clear that Hareb is a dynamo in the area of race organisation and management.
Best of Dubai
107
Hareb brings discipline, patience and attention to detail to boat race organisation, qualities, he says he picked up during his 20year career in the army. “Nerves and time are my enemy, if these control me I loose everything,” he tells me. Races are planned with military precision. In a typical race, many interdependent factors are simultaneously at play. Aside from the boats, which number hundreds and sometimes thousands, sea conditions, rescue services, and media helicopters need critical direction. However, not once in his long career has Hareb lost his nerve. He uses powerful visualisation techniques to overcome them: “visualise the nerves as another person and tell them to get lost !” Hareb is at pains to point out that he owes a lot to his team at DIMC. He believes in delegation and trust. His egalitarian nature leads him to treat everyone with respect and he displays none of the arrogance of leadership. Hareb cites his humility as a product of his Islamic faith, and this approach seems to have worked. Over the last 16 years, he has built a solid and loyal group of dedicated staff, some of whom have been with him for as long as he has been at DIMC.
The dhows are fashioned in exactly the same way as those used by the pearl sailors of yesteryear, with the races divided into three classes of 22, 43 and 60 feet. The events have become a family affair over the years and since each boat must have a crew of at least ten, it is not uncommon for up to four generations of the same family to be involved.
Dubais Sailing Heritage Dubai’s heritage of dhow (traditional wooden trading vessels) sailing emerged with the development of the pearling industry. The support of the Royal family has been key to maintaining this tradition. It was His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Maktoum, Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who conceived the idea of traditional dhow racing in both sailing and rowing categories. As the current moral custodian of this tradition, Hareb is passionate about preserving the past. The annual dhow racing competitions he organises are as important to him as the high profile inter-national events. For Hareb, the dhow sailing races are without a doubt the most spectacular events on the watersports calendar. He is delighted that the dhow-racing season has grown steadily in recent years and now involves a greater number of participants than ever before - estimated to be around 3000.
A Family Man Outside of DIMC, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, the family business and his international commitments, Hareb is also a devoted father of five. Sadly, he lost his wife in 1997 but his spare time is spent catching up with his children and instilling in them a sense of pride in their heritage. “I have instilled in all my five children Mohammed, Sultan, Shamsa, Ayesha and Hareb the same values that my parents and grandparents instilled in me. More than wealth and financial achievements, what counts is the good name handed down from generation to generation”. Aside from his grandfather and father, who else does Hareb admire? He takes little time to think about it: “Sheikh Mohammed, he is an inspirational leader. His presence is every-where. He is involved in every aspect of Dubai, he is a visionary”.
The Future Hareb is not complacent about his success; his greatest challenge is to maintain the world class standards he has established for DIMC. Amongst DIMC’s up and coming projects is the establishment of a sailing academy, which will provide the infrastructure and facilities for world class sailing teams to train throughout the year. New Zealand‘s team have already reserved a place. The academy’s other purpose is to build a world-class UAE national sailing team, similar to the Victory Team. After that, the sky’s the limit for Hareb. He has been told by a leading Olympic games official that “Dubai’s sea is the world’s best water stadium.” The ultimate challenge for Hareb will be to host the Olympic watersports and sailing championships. With his indomitable spirit, he is likely to succeed.
Tel.: +9714 399 5777 www.dimc-uae.com
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Heritage Vision2.qxp
12/12/06
3:35 PM
Page 1
Desert Legacy Dubai today is the product of a skilfully planned and strategically designed economy where trading, commerce, banking and tourism are the benchmarks for progress that are no longer measured by barrels of oil. Al Sahra Desert Resort, a Dubai Heritage Vision initiative, is the first Dubailand themed offering in a widening gamut of integrated leisure resorts and entertainment attractions.
108
Best of Dubai
Heritage Vision2.qxp
12/12/06
3:36 PM
Page 2
Visions of an imagistics theatre show with a difference
The brainchild of seasoned entrepreneur Anita Mehra Homayoun, Al Sahra is one of the key projects of Dubailand - the Emirate's themed answer to Orlando in Florida. The vision of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubailand is expected to be a full featured city divided into six theme worlds. The short range goal of Dubailand is to attract 15 million tourists to Dubai by 2015. Developers expect to accomplish this goal by creating a tourism, entertainment and leisure destination that will attract visitors not only from surrounding countries but also from Europe and Asia. On a longer term basis, Dubailand is seen as a way to phase out Dubai's dependence on oil revenues by establishing a sustainable economy through higher value added services. The venture is expected to attract approximately 200,000 visitors daily and cost $20 billion. It will transform Dubai from a single destination resort to a multiple destination within a decade. "In its first phase Dubailand encompasses 25 projects. When completed, over 150 attractions covering a land area of 3 billion square feet, the same size as Singapore, will create an entertainment constellation, which we wanted to be a part of", says Johan Viljoen, General Manager of Dubai Heritage Vision LLC, the owners of the Al Sahra Desert Resort. Dubai Heritage Vision LLC is a joint venture with diversified heavyweight group DUTCO. In tourism terms the group is renowned for their ownership of several five star properties in Dubai and environs such as the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, the Oasis Beach Hotel, Bateaux Dubai as well as Hatta Fort Hotel and most recently, the Oasis Beach Tower. This project further presents synergies in the group DUTCO's construction arm, Dutco Balfour Beatty, has built the integrated entertainment complex and continues to be involved in the further phases of the development. "Combining a sensitively conceptualised themed heritage environment with the natural desert is the essence of the project that is set to attract an estimated 230,000 visitors annually by 2007", he explains. Al Sahra is set in four hundred hectares (40 million square feet) of undulating sand dunes approximately 40 kilometres outside Dubai. This unique eco-tourism resort offers visitors an experience of Arab hospitality and culture; arts and crafts in a natural environment featuring typical clay-plastered stone pillars and arched structures - all conceived to afford visitors an unforgettable experience in the desert. "Al Sahra represents Arabian culture and heritage from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region, Oman and Yemen", elaborates Viljoen. The main entertainment complex encompasses an amphitheatre with a seating capacity for up to 2,500 spectators. The amphitheatre façade incorporates a traditional Arabic craft souk, restaurants and a coffee shop, surrounded by indigenous regional flora and fauna in a typical desert oasis landscape. A Bedouin style working farm with live animals and a date plantation; a camel farm; and stables complete the setting. The star attraction of the development, is an imagistics theatre show, 'Jumana - Secret of the Desert', bringing to the amphitheatre
Best of Dubai
109
Heritage Vision2.qxp
12/12/06
3:37 PM
Page 3
Views from ‘Jumana-Secret of the Desert’
stage a matchless feast of performance, excitement and technical innovation. "We have chosen some of the best partners in the business to create a spectacle of unmatched proportions in the region. Frenchman Pierre Marcout created the concept, with other famous names including Pedro Pauwels, the choreographer; composer/arranger Mick Lanaro responsible for the soundtrack; and pyrotechnics expert, Francois Montel, renowned for lighting the Eifel Tower at the turn of the millennium and the opening of the Greek Olympics, Athens 2004." The show is performed on a stage set in a waterbody containing 10 million litres of water - the size of the stage is comparable to any world class opera or ballet theatre stage such as the La Scala in Milan, the Covent Garden or the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. In order to achieve scale and spectacular dimensions the show incorporates various imagistics theatre techniques. State-of-theart laser effects are generated using three laser generators. Various large-scale water effects enhance the visual effects, the most impressive of which are the three 35 meter wide by 18 meter high water screens, which create a backdrop to the performance area. The height of these water screens supersedes that of the famous dancing fountains on the Las Vegas hotel strip. The Al Sahra Amphitheatre employs some of the most advanced projection techniques and projection equipment to enhance the excitement of the Jumana show - animation, video and still images are projected onto an eighteen meter high dune and the water screens, providing the creative team with a wide canvas to illustrate any story. The technology is rounded off by a lighting system customised for the desert climate, a sound system with an output of between 110dB and 120dB at any point in the amphitheatre; and the first permanent pyrotechnics installation in the Middle East, including fireworks and flame. "The technology used is some of the most advanced in the world and we are confident that
the fusion of different light, water, laser and pyrotechnic effects added to the vibrant soundtrack will mesmerise the Jumana audience", enthuses Viljoen. Complementing the show the resort offers a quaint environment for show visitors to wine and dine to their hearts' content. Terracotta plastered colonnades; Barasti huts made of woven palm fronds, authentic Bedouin tents; and an impressive Falaj (an ancient Arabic irrigation system) provide a tranquil setting for picnickers to relax before they go to see the show. For those who prefer their food served, the Arabesque, provides a fine dining experience, a coffee shop, The Fig and Date, offers a typical Arabic bistro-style fare; and an outdoor restaurant, Lahab, provides traditional barbeque meals, including specialised dishes associated with festivals such as Eid, including Khouzi (from the Gulf region), Shuwa (Oman); and Mandi, the traditional dish from Hadramut, Yemen. Eco-tourism of a so-called 'barefoot luxury' mien For those who prefer the back-tobasics approach in a natural environment, holistic stays will become available during the first quarter of 2007. Camp style tented lodges, designed so that guests can get a feel of underthe-stars-living, a la Bedouin, in an air-conditioned environment, will provide visitors a luxury desert safari experience. Pièce de résistance Ready for occupation during the peak season 2008, a 132 room boutique-style hotel will offer visitors to Al Sahra the ultimate in desert luxury. Themed like a Caravanserai - a traditional trader's inn in historical Arabia and Persia - the complex will include an Islamic/Turkishinspired hamam (spa). In the olden days the heavy wooden gates to a caravanserai would be closed at night to keep thieves and brigands out. Concludes Viljoen: "Our guests are friends, not foe; they will always be welcome - just knock politely we will surely let you in!” Tel: +971 4 367 9500 Website: www.alsahra.com
110
Best of Dubai
Heritage Vision2.qxp
12/12/06
3:37 PM
Page 4
Stepping into heritage Arabian style
Best of Dubai
111
Travel, Tours & Leisure
6 - Air Arabia A.qxp
12/26/2006
9:22 AM
Page 1
Happy Third Birthday Air Arabia is charting new routes and new trends as it opens the skies by encouraging regional travel to a widening base of passengers. With a current fleet of eight brand-new A320 aircraft flying directly to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Europe, in 2006, Air Arabia crossed the two million-passenger milestone. Their rapid growth and efficiency is also putting pressure on conventional airlines to slash their costs and their fares too.
Adel Ali, CEO with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamad Al Thani, Chairman Air Arabia
Since it started operations in 2003, this refreshingly Arab ‘low fares airline’ has succeeded in its vision to be among the world's leading budget airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation and operational excellence. With an emphasis on convenience tourism, Air Arabia is the first international budget airline in the region to offer residents short weekend breaks to exciting regional destinations. Modelled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, Air Arabia’s services are tailored to satisfy local preferences and to make air travel easier and frequent for all. Through their powerful value proposition, ‘Pay less. Fly more’, Air Arabia encourages residents who have previously been unable to afford air travel to start travelling throughout the region, and those who do travel to do so more frequently, benefiting both business and leisure travellers alike. With a diverse workforce, the airline has over 500 employees from over 60 different nationalities all committed to enhancing passenger’s overall travel experience by guaranteeing exceptional dedication, professionalism and the unique talents that make them successful in their service remits. Last year, Air Arabia received certification to conduct its own in-house training for aircraft familiarisation, first aid, general procedures, in-flight emergencies and service techniques which now allow them to complete cabin crew training in-house. In addition, Air Arabia's flight officers have extensive experience from multiple international airlines with several captains flying for over 20 years each. This experience in international airline operations worldwide, including considerable regional familiarity, ensures the level of trust that the carrier is rapidly being associated with. Indeed, among Air Arabia's staff the first female pilot to fly for a UAE airline stands as a further testament to the organisation's proactive stance. With a string of accolades to strengthen its brand position, Air Arabia has also accumulated several achievements in their first two years of operation. For instance, its financial break-even results in the airline’s first year of operation is a groundbreaking feat for any carrier, followed by a record profit announcement in year two of Dh 32.1 million. Additionally, their loyal customers awarded them the silver award for
112
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
113
Increasingly popular regionally and worldwide, the low fares airline model centres around keeping a low cost edge by encouraging short haul traffic, high fleet utilisation, single-fleet families, rapid aircraft turnarounds and high labour productivity. “Our job is to make the differential between the fares of low cost airlines and conventional airlines attractive enough for customers to choose us”, says Ali.
the best MENA (Middle East and North Africa) airline in 2005 and 2006 and on the operations side they enjoy consistently high load factors, on time performance and high aircraft utilisation too. Over and above offering the lowest fares in the market without compromising on service standards, ease of booking, particularly through the Internet, as well as increasing the flexibility on where payment can be made, adds additional value to the Air Arabia experience Following the ultimate convenience concept, Air Arabia passes savings back to passengers with onboard purchase catering, offering a menu with an affordable variety of food and beverages, for passenger’s flexibility. Additional in-flight services include in-flight entertainment and Duty Free shopping with a selection of gifts and luxury items that can be purchased in most foreign currencies, or by credit card. Ideally based at Sharjah International Airport, Air Arabia customers enjoy the benefits of quick access to Dubai and other Emirates, fast check-in processes, low congestion, friendly airport staff, as well as access to other commercial carriers served at the airport. All in all it makes sense to 'Pay less and Fly more’ with Air Arabia. Online reservation system www.airarabia.com Air Arabia also offers visa assistance with a one-day stop for Sharjah. Current Air Arabia destinations Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia (Syria); Alexandria, Assiut and Luxor (Egypt); Amman (Jordan); Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan); Bahrain; Beirut (Lebanon); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh (KSA), Doha (Qatar); Istanbul (Turkey); Kabul (Afghanistan); Kathmandu (Nepal); Khartoum (Sudan); Kuwait; Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram (India); Muscat (Oman); Sana'a (Yemen); Sharjah (UAE); Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia). Tel.: +9716 558 0000 www.airarabia.com
Travel, Tours & Leisure
6 - Air Arabia A.qxp
12/26/2006
9:22 AM
Page 1
Happy Third Birthday Air Arabia is charting new routes and new trends as it opens the skies by encouraging regional travel to a widening base of passengers. With a current fleet of eight brand-new A320 aircraft flying directly to over 30 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Europe, in 2006, Air Arabia crossed the two million-passenger milestone. Their rapid growth and efficiency is also putting pressure on conventional airlines to slash their costs and their fares too.
Adel Ali, CEO with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamad Al Thani, Chairman Air Arabia
Since it started operations in 2003, this refreshingly Arab ‘low fares airline’ has succeeded in its vision to be among the world's leading budget airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation and operational excellence. With an emphasis on convenience tourism, Air Arabia is the first international budget airline in the region to offer residents short weekend breaks to exciting regional destinations. Modelled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, Air Arabia’s services are tailored to satisfy local preferences and to make air travel easier and frequent for all. Through their powerful value proposition, ‘Pay less. Fly more’, Air Arabia encourages residents who have previously been unable to afford air travel to start travelling throughout the region, and those who do travel to do so more frequently, benefiting both business and leisure travellers alike. With a diverse workforce, the airline has over 500 employees from over 60 different nationalities all committed to enhancing passenger’s overall travel experience by guaranteeing exceptional dedication, professionalism and the unique talents that make them successful in their service remits. Last year, Air Arabia received certification to conduct its own in-house training for aircraft familiarisation, first aid, general procedures, in-flight emergencies and service techniques which now allow them to complete cabin crew training in-house. In addition, Air Arabia's flight officers have extensive experience from multiple international airlines with several captains flying for over 20 years each. This experience in international airline operations worldwide, including considerable regional familiarity, ensures the level of trust that the carrier is rapidly being associated with. Indeed, among Air Arabia's staff the first female pilot to fly for a UAE airline stands as a further testament to the organisation's proactive stance. With a string of accolades to strengthen its brand position, Air Arabia has also accumulated several achievements in their first two years of operation. For instance, its financial break-even results in the airline’s first year of operation is a groundbreaking feat for any carrier, followed by a record profit announcement in year two of Dh 32.1 million. Additionally, their loyal customers awarded them the silver award for
112
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
113
Increasingly popular regionally and worldwide, the low fares airline model centres around keeping a low cost edge by encouraging short haul traffic, high fleet utilisation, single-fleet families, rapid aircraft turnarounds and high labour productivity. “Our job is to make the differential between the fares of low cost airlines and conventional airlines attractive enough for customers to choose us”, says Ali.
the best MENA (Middle East and North Africa) airline in 2005 and 2006 and on the operations side they enjoy consistently high load factors, on time performance and high aircraft utilisation too. Over and above offering the lowest fares in the market without compromising on service standards, ease of booking, particularly through the Internet, as well as increasing the flexibility on where payment can be made, adds additional value to the Air Arabia experience Following the ultimate convenience concept, Air Arabia passes savings back to passengers with onboard purchase catering, offering a menu with an affordable variety of food and beverages, for passenger’s flexibility. Additional in-flight services include in-flight entertainment and Duty Free shopping with a selection of gifts and luxury items that can be purchased in most foreign currencies, or by credit card. Ideally based at Sharjah International Airport, Air Arabia customers enjoy the benefits of quick access to Dubai and other Emirates, fast check-in processes, low congestion, friendly airport staff, as well as access to other commercial carriers served at the airport. All in all it makes sense to 'Pay less and Fly more’ with Air Arabia. Online reservation system www.airarabia.com Air Arabia also offers visa assistance with a one-day stop for Sharjah. Current Air Arabia destinations Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia (Syria); Alexandria, Assiut and Luxor (Egypt); Amman (Jordan); Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan); Bahrain; Beirut (Lebanon); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh (KSA), Doha (Qatar); Istanbul (Turkey); Kabul (Afghanistan); Kathmandu (Nepal); Khartoum (Sudan); Kuwait; Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram (India); Muscat (Oman); Sana'a (Yemen); Sharjah (UAE); Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia). Tel.: +9716 558 0000 www.airarabia.com
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Travco Expansion Leading Dubai tour operator continues to build its name across the region with at least three deluxe properties looming on the horizon.
Osama Bushra Regional General Manager
114
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
115
When your name has been around as long as Dubai’s tourism industry itself, it makes sense to capitalise on the strength of your brand. Travco, whose Dubai branch is 14-years-old this year, is busy diversifying its business by investing in major hotel projects in the UAE and Oman. The group has signed an MoU with Oman’s government to develop a AED 200 million resort in the Sultanate and is spending AED 161.73 million on two resorts in Fujairah. It has also applied to develop a hotel on the luxurious Palm Jumeirah. Travco, which serves 125,000 outbound tourists a year out of the UAE, has recorded 25 per cent growth year-on-year – and its new developments will help meet rising inbound demand. Operating in a strategic joint venture partnership with TUI, Travco has become one of the most prominent names in travel tourism in the region, and undoubtedly played a major role in the growth of the UAE’s profile. Its principal strength lies in its ability to cater to the needs of all sections of the travel market, be they inbound leisure tourists seeking city tours or desert safaris, corporates requiring conference or incentive venues or managers needing that urgent airline booking. With its modern fleet of high-efficiency fourwheel drives and luxury buses, tourists can be assured of the highest standards of comfort when touring the city or desert. Multi-lingual staff are on hand to provide tailor-made packages and assist with itinerary planning for individuals or large groups.
Travco’s commitment to customer care starts the moment guests arrive in Dubai, with its exclusive ‘meet and assist’ service to the hotel and visa processing capabilities. “Our service is one of our main strengths”, said Osama Bushra, Regional General Manager of Travco. “We firmly believe that it is the individual duty of each one of our members to make a customer’s visit to the UAE as enjoyable as possible.” Friends and families accompanying executives are also closely cared for by Travco, which will organise packages such as golfing breaks or ladies’ days out. Even though veteran tourism professional Bushra admits to his companies’ undisputed levels of professionalism, he acknowledges the pivotal role that the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has played in making the sector grow and the emirate increasingly popular to a diverse range of traveller. “Dubai’s east-meets-west location makes it perfect for tourism and such are the breadth of services and activities available that it has something for everyone”, said Bushra. While he has visited the US several times with a view to developing business, especially in the incentive and conference segments, the sheer distance does not make it viable in the short term. “This is why we are nurturing our European customers. Dubai is an ideal location for them.” Tel.: +9714 336 6643 www.travcotravel.com
Travel, Tours & Leisure
Travco Expansion Leading Dubai tour operator continues to build its name across the region with at least three deluxe properties looming on the horizon.
Osama Bushra Regional General Manager
114
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
115
When your name has been around as long as Dubai’s tourism industry itself, it makes sense to capitalise on the strength of your brand. Travco, whose Dubai branch is 14-years-old this year, is busy diversifying its business by investing in major hotel projects in the UAE and Oman. The group has signed an MoU with Oman’s government to develop a AED 200 million resort in the Sultanate and is spending AED 161.73 million on two resorts in Fujairah. It has also applied to develop a hotel on the luxurious Palm Jumeirah. Travco, which serves 125,000 outbound tourists a year out of the UAE, has recorded 25 per cent growth year-on-year – and its new developments will help meet rising inbound demand. Operating in a strategic joint venture partnership with TUI, Travco has become one of the most prominent names in travel tourism in the region, and undoubtedly played a major role in the growth of the UAE’s profile. Its principal strength lies in its ability to cater to the needs of all sections of the travel market, be they inbound leisure tourists seeking city tours or desert safaris, corporates requiring conference or incentive venues or managers needing that urgent airline booking. With its modern fleet of high-efficiency fourwheel drives and luxury buses, tourists can be assured of the highest standards of comfort when touring the city or desert. Multi-lingual staff are on hand to provide tailor-made packages and assist with itinerary planning for individuals or large groups.
Travco’s commitment to customer care starts the moment guests arrive in Dubai, with its exclusive ‘meet and assist’ service to the hotel and visa processing capabilities. “Our service is one of our main strengths”, said Osama Bushra, Regional General Manager of Travco. “We firmly believe that it is the individual duty of each one of our members to make a customer’s visit to the UAE as enjoyable as possible.” Friends and families accompanying executives are also closely cared for by Travco, which will organise packages such as golfing breaks or ladies’ days out. Even though veteran tourism professional Bushra admits to his companies’ undisputed levels of professionalism, he acknowledges the pivotal role that the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has played in making the sector grow and the emirate increasingly popular to a diverse range of traveller. “Dubai’s east-meets-west location makes it perfect for tourism and such are the breadth of services and activities available that it has something for everyone”, said Bushra. While he has visited the US several times with a view to developing business, especially in the incentive and conference segments, the sheer distance does not make it viable in the short term. “This is why we are nurturing our European customers. Dubai is an ideal location for them.” Tel.: +9714 336 6643 www.travcotravel.com
Travel,Tours & Leisure
Danat Dubai Cruise.qxp
12/27/2006
1:56 PM
Page 1
Staying afloat
Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury and nothing screams luxurious louder than a fully serviced cruise. Whether for meetings, product launches or private functions, Danat Dubai Cruises is the premier operator of cruising hospitality for every occasion in the Gulf Region.
Mr. Salah El Khayat, Executive Director Danat Dubai Cruises
With a market presence in Dubai that extends back to 1999, the Australian company offers professional tailored solutions for businesses keen to make a special effort to impress. This includes offering the best choice in cruising options, combined with fun, adventure and five-star dining, with the speciality of sunset and dinner cruises with traditional Arabic and international flavours. As the Gulf region's premier marine tour operator, the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet comprises of modern and traditional dining and entertainment vessels that are operated under strict international safety standards. The Danat Dubai Cruises staff is committed to offering guests five-star customer service and hospitality and pride themselves on being 'simply the best'. Heading the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet is the 'MV Danat Dubai', a 34metre Australian built catamaran available for charter to and from all the marinas along the region’s coastline. The MV Danat Dubai is a threedecked vessel that offers theatre style seating for up to 80 people and presentation style seating for 40 people. Facilities include a large screen projector with screen, indoor and outdoor break-out areas, full dining and/or tea and coffee and computer facilities. This luxurious cruising vessel is licensed to carry 300 people in air-conditioned comfort and includes two bars, a dance-floor and the ability to comfortably seat 160 dining passengers. A traditional dhow experience in a luxurious atmosphere, the beautiful 'Arabian Discoverer' has developed a reputation as the 'pride of the creek'. A typical cruise starts from the company's berth on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek and cruises along the tranquil waters towards the Al Maktoum Bridge and the Garhoud Bridge. Along the way guests see the magnificent older style architecture of the Dubai Court Building, Creek Park with the cable cars moving overhead and the Creek View Golf and Yacht Clubs, it then sails past the Garhoud Bridge to the old dhow building yards and the new Festival City development. The 'Arabian Discoverer' will then turn and cruise back along the Creek past Deira and Bur Dubai and the bustling abra stations towards the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Discoverer has a capacity of 200 guests, 120 dining, with the ability to offer full bar faculties and a variety of sumptuous menus, including an Arabic/international lunch or dinner buffet. For a taste of the sea, the high-speed ocean-rafting vessel, the 'Gulf Adventurer', is definitely the most thrilling way to explore the Gulf. Manufactured in New Zealand, this 14 metre long, 31 seater rib rafter speeds across the Arabian waves at 40 knots per hour. With a sole charter, passengers can get up close and personal with the Burj al Arab, race around the Palm Project and stop at one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast for swimming and snorkelling. The Gulf Adventurer can also be chartered to meet up with the MV Danat Dubai to add extra thrills to a 'Fun in the Sun' cruise or beat the traffic and provide a never to be forgotten transfer for guests from the beach hotels to the centre of Dubai. In a region where business, entertainment and tourism intertwine, what better way to sail to new horizons than with a luxury cruise from Danat Dubai Cruises. Tel.: +9714 351 1117 www.danatdubaicruises.com
116
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
117
Travel,Tours & Leisure
Danat Dubai Cruise.qxp
12/27/2006
1:56 PM
Page 1
Staying afloat
Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury and nothing screams luxurious louder than a fully serviced cruise. Whether for meetings, product launches or private functions, Danat Dubai Cruises is the premier operator of cruising hospitality for every occasion in the Gulf Region.
Mr. Salah El Khayat, Executive Director Danat Dubai Cruises
With a market presence in Dubai that extends back to 1999, the Australian company offers professional tailored solutions for businesses keen to make a special effort to impress. This includes offering the best choice in cruising options, combined with fun, adventure and five-star dining, with the speciality of sunset and dinner cruises with traditional Arabic and international flavours. As the Gulf region's premier marine tour operator, the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet comprises of modern and traditional dining and entertainment vessels that are operated under strict international safety standards. The Danat Dubai Cruises staff is committed to offering guests five-star customer service and hospitality and pride themselves on being 'simply the best'. Heading the Danat Dubai Cruise fleet is the 'MV Danat Dubai', a 34metre Australian built catamaran available for charter to and from all the marinas along the region’s coastline. The MV Danat Dubai is a threedecked vessel that offers theatre style seating for up to 80 people and presentation style seating for 40 people. Facilities include a large screen projector with screen, indoor and outdoor break-out areas, full dining and/or tea and coffee and computer facilities. This luxurious cruising vessel is licensed to carry 300 people in air-conditioned comfort and includes two bars, a dance-floor and the ability to comfortably seat 160 dining passengers. A traditional dhow experience in a luxurious atmosphere, the beautiful 'Arabian Discoverer' has developed a reputation as the 'pride of the creek'. A typical cruise starts from the company's berth on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek and cruises along the tranquil waters towards the Al Maktoum Bridge and the Garhoud Bridge. Along the way guests see the magnificent older style architecture of the Dubai Court Building, Creek Park with the cable cars moving overhead and the Creek View Golf and Yacht Clubs, it then sails past the Garhoud Bridge to the old dhow building yards and the new Festival City development. The 'Arabian Discoverer' will then turn and cruise back along the Creek past Deira and Bur Dubai and the bustling abra stations towards the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Discoverer has a capacity of 200 guests, 120 dining, with the ability to offer full bar faculties and a variety of sumptuous menus, including an Arabic/international lunch or dinner buffet. For a taste of the sea, the high-speed ocean-rafting vessel, the 'Gulf Adventurer', is definitely the most thrilling way to explore the Gulf. Manufactured in New Zealand, this 14 metre long, 31 seater rib rafter speeds across the Arabian waves at 40 knots per hour. With a sole charter, passengers can get up close and personal with the Burj al Arab, race around the Palm Project and stop at one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast for swimming and snorkelling. The Gulf Adventurer can also be chartered to meet up with the MV Danat Dubai to add extra thrills to a 'Fun in the Sun' cruise or beat the traffic and provide a never to be forgotten transfer for guests from the beach hotels to the centre of Dubai. In a region where business, entertainment and tourism intertwine, what better way to sail to new horizons than with a luxury cruise from Danat Dubai Cruises. Tel.: +9714 351 1117 www.danatdubaicruises.com
116
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
117
"Oh my son, it befitteth thee to become familiar with the folk, especially with the merchants, so thou mayest learn of them merchant craft, seeing that the same hath now become thy calling".
CHAPTER 6 Mall Destinations
Aladdin, young hero in Arabic mythological tale ‘A thousand and one nights’.
Courtesy of Pankaj Shah
"Oh my son, it befitteth thee to become familiar with the folk, especially with the merchants, so thou mayest learn of them merchant craft, seeing that the same hath now become thy calling".
CHAPTER 6 Mall Destinations
Aladdin, young hero in Arabic mythological tale ‘A thousand and one nights’.
Courtesy of Pankaj Shah
Mall Destinations
Living it up Redefining the city's leisure-lifestyle boundary all under a single roof of vast proportions, welcome to Dubai’s first integrated shopping resort that delivers an addictive fix of shopping, entertainment, dining, fun and five-star accomodation to boot.
There aren't many malls in the world where you can ski down a slope, pop off for some shopping and then check into a five-star hotel. But the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) offers all this and more, providing a new dimension to the city's leisure and lifestyle offering. The world's first integrated shopping resort blends retailing, sport, entertainment, dining and five-star accommodation from Kempinski all under one roof. The $850 million mall, which has its own overpass off Sheikh Zayed Road, opened in September 2005 and today, boasts a range of premier brands, ranging from Armani, Bvlgari and Gucci to the ultra-chic Harvey Nichols. Little wonder that MOE's projected footfall is 30 million visitors per year. Divided into three architecturally distinct sections, the precincts are inspired by a dizzying kaleidoscope of styles, featuring Greek revival, international modern, Italian Mediterranean, Moorish and Arabic. With a glazed dome 42 meters above ground, it is reminiscent of la Galleria di Milano in Italy. It is the biggest development so far undertaken by Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAF), already famed for their City Centre success story launched in the mid nineties and still going full throttle today. A compelling set of family entertainment options include a rebranded and redesigned children's Magic Planet, a dedicated community and arts centre and a 14-screen Cinestar complex - but there can be no doubting that Ski Dubai steals the show. When the excitement of braving the pistes - the longest is 400 meters - elapses, then there is a 3,000 square meters Snow Park replete with its own snow cavern, retail Snow Pro shop and cafes tempting weary skiers for a spot of après ski indulgence. Without any of the unpleasant aspects of real mountain skiing, Ski Dubai guarantees crisp temperature-controlled weather and fluffy snow every day year round - not bad for a desert environment!
120
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
121
Ski Dubai has a full capacity of 1,500 guests, as well as a Snowboard stunt park for adrenalin junkies. This sports and entertainment behemoth also comes with a hotel of course. Breathe in the rarefied mountain air of the five star Kempinski Hotel as you enter the Alpine-style resort with 400 deluxe rooms including 13 ski chalets with unprecedented views over the Middle East's first indoor ski resort. It is managed by renowned hotel operator Kempinski, marking its first property in Dubai. Designed by top commercial architects Wilson & Associates and strategically positioned at the forefront of the Mall of the Emirates mega complex (touted as the biggest shopping centre outside the USA), this 48,000 square meter hotel introduces one of the most spacious hotel guest rooms in the UAE. The resort is also executive-friendly with its 13 conference and meeting rooms, dedicated business centre and private meeting rooms on the Executive floor. Kempinski's plethora of truly exceptional dining and banqueting facilities takes the MoE experience to new heights. With almost 2 million square meters of retail space planned in Dubai by 2010, the mind boggles as to how the shopping and leisure experience can get any better. Certainly the cool MoE has turned the heat up in the competitive retailing market and any future projects will have to work hard to attract shoppers away from this stunning resort. Mall of the Emirates Tel.: +9714 341 4747 www.malloftheemirates.com Ski Dubai Tel.: +9714 409 4000 www.skidxb.com Kempinski Hotel Dubai Tel.: +9714 341 0000 www.kempinski.com
Mall Destinations
Living it up Redefining the city's leisure-lifestyle boundary all under a single roof of vast proportions, welcome to Dubai’s first integrated shopping resort that delivers an addictive fix of shopping, entertainment, dining, fun and five-star accomodation to boot.
There aren't many malls in the world where you can ski down a slope, pop off for some shopping and then check into a five-star hotel. But the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) offers all this and more, providing a new dimension to the city's leisure and lifestyle offering. The world's first integrated shopping resort blends retailing, sport, entertainment, dining and five-star accommodation from Kempinski all under one roof. The $850 million mall, which has its own overpass off Sheikh Zayed Road, opened in September 2005 and today, boasts a range of premier brands, ranging from Armani, Bvlgari and Gucci to the ultra-chic Harvey Nichols. Little wonder that MOE's projected footfall is 30 million visitors per year. Divided into three architecturally distinct sections, the precincts are inspired by a dizzying kaleidoscope of styles, featuring Greek revival, international modern, Italian Mediterranean, Moorish and Arabic. With a glazed dome 42 meters above ground, it is reminiscent of la Galleria di Milano in Italy. It is the biggest development so far undertaken by Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAF), already famed for their City Centre success story launched in the mid nineties and still going full throttle today. A compelling set of family entertainment options include a rebranded and redesigned children's Magic Planet, a dedicated community and arts centre and a 14-screen Cinestar complex - but there can be no doubting that Ski Dubai steals the show. When the excitement of braving the pistes - the longest is 400 meters - elapses, then there is a 3,000 square meters Snow Park replete with its own snow cavern, retail Snow Pro shop and cafes tempting weary skiers for a spot of après ski indulgence. Without any of the unpleasant aspects of real mountain skiing, Ski Dubai guarantees crisp temperature-controlled weather and fluffy snow every day year round - not bad for a desert environment!
120
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
121
Ski Dubai has a full capacity of 1,500 guests, as well as a Snowboard stunt park for adrenalin junkies. This sports and entertainment behemoth also comes with a hotel of course. Breathe in the rarefied mountain air of the five star Kempinski Hotel as you enter the Alpine-style resort with 400 deluxe rooms including 13 ski chalets with unprecedented views over the Middle East's first indoor ski resort. It is managed by renowned hotel operator Kempinski, marking its first property in Dubai. Designed by top commercial architects Wilson & Associates and strategically positioned at the forefront of the Mall of the Emirates mega complex (touted as the biggest shopping centre outside the USA), this 48,000 square meter hotel introduces one of the most spacious hotel guest rooms in the UAE. The resort is also executive-friendly with its 13 conference and meeting rooms, dedicated business centre and private meeting rooms on the Executive floor. Kempinski's plethora of truly exceptional dining and banqueting facilities takes the MoE experience to new heights. With almost 2 million square meters of retail space planned in Dubai by 2010, the mind boggles as to how the shopping and leisure experience can get any better. Certainly the cool MoE has turned the heat up in the competitive retailing market and any future projects will have to work hard to attract shoppers away from this stunning resort. Mall of the Emirates Tel.: +9714 341 4747 www.malloftheemirates.com Ski Dubai Tel.: +9714 409 4000 www.skidxb.com Kempinski Hotel Dubai Tel.: +9714 341 0000 www.kempinski.com
Mall Destinations
IBN Batutta Mall.qxp
12/28/2006
4:11 PM
Page 1
It’s all in the Mall Referred to as 'mall metropolis', it is estimated that by 2009, Dubai will boast the highest retail expenditure in the GCC, even surpassing erstwhile big spender, Saudi Arabia. Conceptualised for the burgeoning retail needs of the emirate's booming population, malls of every ilk are set to cater to Dubai's yearly influx of 15 million tourists by 2015, sealing these astounding levels of retail income.
Ibn Battuta emblemises a quintessentially Arabian heritage story. From Arabic wind towers, to Indian domes
China Court
Persia Court
122
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
123
In a relatively new urban-scape that lacks historical monuments and significant landmarks of architectural merit such as Dubai, the function of the mall becomes doubly important. Not only is it an environment for shopping, entertainment and social interaction, but it also becomes a landmark that lends a recognisable face to the topography of the city. This is also why themed malls work so well. They become comprehensive destinations of aesthetic appeal that tell a far more interesting story than a mere shopping spree. Picture a North African marketplace beneath magnificent blue skies: A crashed vessel run aground on the shores of China's Calicut Harbour: Intricate hieroglyphic friezes adorning the walls of medieval Cairo. With all these features, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back in time. Ibn Battuta Mall is perhaps the most remarkable addition to Dubai's retail landscape. Aside from offering new shopping and entertainment experiences, the mall captures the imagination of shoppers by
transporting them back into a bygone era. A mini lesson in history, Ibn Battuta emblemises a quintessentially Arabian heritage story. From Arabic wind towers, to Indian domes, the exhilarating theme of the mall is a testament to the life Ibn Battuta, a globetrotter who travelled the world nearly 700 years ago in search of knowledge and excitement. Setting off at 21, his journey covered almost 30 years, with his accounts recorded for time eternal in Ibn Juzay's book The Rihla. Ibn Battuta Mall traces six elaborately themed courts Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The six courts are designed to reflect the architecture of the region in the 14th century, providing a novel experience to visitors with their original design and style. Each of the themed destinations in the mall has a separate entrance and is connected in a continuous beat. The distinctive architecture, 16-outlet Food Court, unique Restaurant Court, and huge 21screen Megaplex, including the UAE's first IMAX theatre, have provided an attractive lure to
the millions of visitors who have already poured through the mall's doors. From global department stores, to small boutiques, Ibn Battuta Mall currently houses more than 275 tenancies, 50 of which are new brands to the UAE and many of whom are familiar international brands. A major attraction is the 25meter long Chinese Junk located in China Court, a replica of the ship that Ibn Battuta sailed across the Indian Ocean. Inside the ship, stateof-the-art technology has been used to create a 3D virtual aquarium in which visitors can observe marine life ranging from different schools of fish to Great White sharks. Combining retail, entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment that is designed to reflect the eclectic mix of various heritages and cosmopolitan lifestyle - Ibn Battuta Mall represents the very essence of Dubai. Tel.:+9714 362 1900 www.ibnbattutamall.com
Mall Destinations
IBN Batutta Mall.qxp
12/28/2006
4:11 PM
Page 1
It’s all in the Mall Referred to as 'mall metropolis', it is estimated that by 2009, Dubai will boast the highest retail expenditure in the GCC, even surpassing erstwhile big spender, Saudi Arabia. Conceptualised for the burgeoning retail needs of the emirate's booming population, malls of every ilk are set to cater to Dubai's yearly influx of 15 million tourists by 2015, sealing these astounding levels of retail income.
Ibn Battuta emblemises a quintessentially Arabian heritage story. From Arabic wind towers, to Indian domes
China Court
Persia Court
122
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
123
In a relatively new urban-scape that lacks historical monuments and significant landmarks of architectural merit such as Dubai, the function of the mall becomes doubly important. Not only is it an environment for shopping, entertainment and social interaction, but it also becomes a landmark that lends a recognisable face to the topography of the city. This is also why themed malls work so well. They become comprehensive destinations of aesthetic appeal that tell a far more interesting story than a mere shopping spree. Picture a North African marketplace beneath magnificent blue skies: A crashed vessel run aground on the shores of China's Calicut Harbour: Intricate hieroglyphic friezes adorning the walls of medieval Cairo. With all these features, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back in time. Ibn Battuta Mall is perhaps the most remarkable addition to Dubai's retail landscape. Aside from offering new shopping and entertainment experiences, the mall captures the imagination of shoppers by
transporting them back into a bygone era. A mini lesson in history, Ibn Battuta emblemises a quintessentially Arabian heritage story. From Arabic wind towers, to Indian domes, the exhilarating theme of the mall is a testament to the life Ibn Battuta, a globetrotter who travelled the world nearly 700 years ago in search of knowledge and excitement. Setting off at 21, his journey covered almost 30 years, with his accounts recorded for time eternal in Ibn Juzay's book The Rihla. Ibn Battuta Mall traces six elaborately themed courts Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The six courts are designed to reflect the architecture of the region in the 14th century, providing a novel experience to visitors with their original design and style. Each of the themed destinations in the mall has a separate entrance and is connected in a continuous beat. The distinctive architecture, 16-outlet Food Court, unique Restaurant Court, and huge 21screen Megaplex, including the UAE's first IMAX theatre, have provided an attractive lure to
the millions of visitors who have already poured through the mall's doors. From global department stores, to small boutiques, Ibn Battuta Mall currently houses more than 275 tenancies, 50 of which are new brands to the UAE and many of whom are familiar international brands. A major attraction is the 25meter long Chinese Junk located in China Court, a replica of the ship that Ibn Battuta sailed across the Indian Ocean. Inside the ship, stateof-the-art technology has been used to create a 3D virtual aquarium in which visitors can observe marine life ranging from different schools of fish to Great White sharks. Combining retail, entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment that is designed to reflect the eclectic mix of various heritages and cosmopolitan lifestyle - Ibn Battuta Mall represents the very essence of Dubai. Tel.:+9714 362 1900 www.ibnbattutamall.com
Mall Destinations
Airmiles.qxp
12/26/2006
9:23 AM
Page 1
Reaching New Heights Air Miles is expanding its membership base and corporate presence across the region.
which enables high-profile businesses to stimulate excellence from their employees and trade partners by providing a tailored business solution.
A shift towards experience-based rewards Dave Battiston, CEO
Air Miles, the world’s leading multi-participant loyalty programme, chose Dubai to inaugurate its regional operations in 2001. Today, the company has more than one million members enrolled in the UAE and Qatar and has issued over 10 billion Air Miles. The free-to-join programme is entering Bahrain shortly and will then branch out to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan. Managed by Rewards Management Middle East (RMMEL), Air Miles Middle East is part of Air Miles International, which previously included the UK’s Air Miles programme & more recently the marketleading Nectar rewards programme in the UK, plus operations in Canada, the Netherlands and Spain.
Air Miles is the only inter-country programme that offers UAE members the opportunity to collect Air Miles in Qatar. Sir Keith Mills, the founder of Air Miles and one of Britain’s most influential business leaders, visited Dubai recently to celebrate the programme’s fifth anniversary in the Middle East. “With a predicted 250 per cent rise in leaseable retail area by 2010, the Middle East is a shopper’s dream”, he said. “This is exactly where Air Miles, as a coalition loyalty programme offering aspirational rewards, can help members make the most of their daily spend.” Air Miles is expanding its business recognition programme, Air Miles Incentives,
124
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
125
Increased company support With an existing portfolio of 160 regional participants, Air Miles recently signed a further 35 participants in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. Air Miles maintains a unique asset – the region’s largest and most active retail database. It is from this central database that participants are given access to valuable information including customer profiles and buying habits. The programme expects to attract an additional 100,000 members in the first year from new markets, with a further 20 per cent annual growth predicted until the end of the decade. The impact on Air Miles participants has been huge, with companies reporting major increases in sales and turnover. HSBC reported a 29 per cent rise in customer spend levels and 50 per cent increase in card acquisitions year after year, since joining Air Miles. Air Miles partners include household names such as Spinneys, Damas, Lamcy Plaza, Axiom Telecom, the Jawad Business Group, Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (Travel & Tourism), Gulf Greetings, Hertz, Bin Sina Pharmacy, Hilton Hotels, EMAX, CineStar Cinemas, Pan Emirates Home Furnishings, Rotana Hotels, Al Futtaim
Watches and Jewellery, Al Ghandi Electronics, JW Marriott Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, SNTTA Travel & Tours, Abela, African & Eastern, Al Jaber Optical Centre, CompuMe, Al Ansari Exchange, Bin Hendi Cafes and Emirates Post. Wider range of rewards More card holders are now redeeming their Air Miles for adventure sports, theme parks and other outdoor activities, indicating a consumer shift towards experience-based rewards. Air Miles, recognising that aspiration is at the heart of all the loyalty programme experience, communicates with its members through quarterly mailings, email and SMS promotions, and through its Customer Service Centre. As a policy, the company maintains the strictest controls on data privacy for both customers and participants. To date, hundreds of thousands of rewards have been exchanged by Air Miles card holders in categories such as electronics, jewellery, dining, adventure and amusement, travel and gift vouchers. With a large number of shoppers actively collecting Air Miles and market-leading companies participating in the programme, Air Miles is at the heart of Dubai’s booming retail revolution. Tel.: +9714 391 3410 www.airmilesme.com www.airmilesincentivesme.com
Mall Destinations
Airmiles.qxp
12/26/2006
9:23 AM
Page 1
Reaching New Heights Air Miles is expanding its membership base and corporate presence across the region.
which enables high-profile businesses to stimulate excellence from their employees and trade partners by providing a tailored business solution.
A shift towards experience-based rewards Dave Battiston, CEO
Air Miles, the world’s leading multi-participant loyalty programme, chose Dubai to inaugurate its regional operations in 2001. Today, the company has more than one million members enrolled in the UAE and Qatar and has issued over 10 billion Air Miles. The free-to-join programme is entering Bahrain shortly and will then branch out to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan. Managed by Rewards Management Middle East (RMMEL), Air Miles Middle East is part of Air Miles International, which previously included the UK’s Air Miles programme & more recently the marketleading Nectar rewards programme in the UK, plus operations in Canada, the Netherlands and Spain.
Air Miles is the only inter-country programme that offers UAE members the opportunity to collect Air Miles in Qatar. Sir Keith Mills, the founder of Air Miles and one of Britain’s most influential business leaders, visited Dubai recently to celebrate the programme’s fifth anniversary in the Middle East. “With a predicted 250 per cent rise in leaseable retail area by 2010, the Middle East is a shopper’s dream”, he said. “This is exactly where Air Miles, as a coalition loyalty programme offering aspirational rewards, can help members make the most of their daily spend.” Air Miles is expanding its business recognition programme, Air Miles Incentives,
124
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
125
Increased company support With an existing portfolio of 160 regional participants, Air Miles recently signed a further 35 participants in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. Air Miles maintains a unique asset – the region’s largest and most active retail database. It is from this central database that participants are given access to valuable information including customer profiles and buying habits. The programme expects to attract an additional 100,000 members in the first year from new markets, with a further 20 per cent annual growth predicted until the end of the decade. The impact on Air Miles participants has been huge, with companies reporting major increases in sales and turnover. HSBC reported a 29 per cent rise in customer spend levels and 50 per cent increase in card acquisitions year after year, since joining Air Miles. Air Miles partners include household names such as Spinneys, Damas, Lamcy Plaza, Axiom Telecom, the Jawad Business Group, Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (Travel & Tourism), Gulf Greetings, Hertz, Bin Sina Pharmacy, Hilton Hotels, EMAX, CineStar Cinemas, Pan Emirates Home Furnishings, Rotana Hotels, Al Futtaim
Watches and Jewellery, Al Ghandi Electronics, JW Marriott Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, SNTTA Travel & Tours, Abela, African & Eastern, Al Jaber Optical Centre, CompuMe, Al Ansari Exchange, Bin Hendi Cafes and Emirates Post. Wider range of rewards More card holders are now redeeming their Air Miles for adventure sports, theme parks and other outdoor activities, indicating a consumer shift towards experience-based rewards. Air Miles, recognising that aspiration is at the heart of all the loyalty programme experience, communicates with its members through quarterly mailings, email and SMS promotions, and through its Customer Service Centre. As a policy, the company maintains the strictest controls on data privacy for both customers and participants. To date, hundreds of thousands of rewards have been exchanged by Air Miles card holders in categories such as electronics, jewellery, dining, adventure and amusement, travel and gift vouchers. With a large number of shoppers actively collecting Air Miles and market-leading companies participating in the programme, Air Miles is at the heart of Dubai’s booming retail revolution. Tel.: +9714 391 3410 www.airmilesme.com www.airmilesincentivesme.com
"Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond.” Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher
CHAPTER 7 Fashion & Jewellery
"Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond.” Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher
CHAPTER 7 Fashion & Jewellery
Fashion & Jewellery
Ginger & Lace.qxp
12/28/2006
11:28 AM
Page 1
Here's a taste of what it is that makes women go weak at the knees when they hear the words, Ginger & Lace. Décor to die for… The first Ginger & Lace store opened in April 2005 at Ibn Battuta. Like a beacon of individuality flashing in the otherwise high-street store dominated shopping mall, women were quickly drawn to the boutique by its feminine, clean cut design - as well as the fabulous array of eye-catching dresses on display. Open and airy with simple moulded wood fixtures and fittings the boutique let its clothes do the talking, while providing a spacious and welcoming environment for its guests. It didn't take long for the news of Ginger & Lace's arrival to spread, and it soon had a loyal following of fashion-hungry females. Labels the ladies love…Ginger & Lace was one of the first stores in Dubai to provide shoppers with real choice when it came to designer brands. It started a trend by importing a new generation of cult labels that had previously only been available in the US or Europe. Welcome to designs women in the Middle East had seen their favourite style icons such as Kate Moss, Sienna Miller or Nicole Richi wearing in international fashion magazines - they suddenly became available here in the UAE. Betsey Johnson, Wheels & Doll Baby, Ingwa Melero, Meghan, Sass and Bide, Issa, La Petite Salope and Erickson Beamon, to name just a few, lined the store's rails. The unique mix of niche and more established names such as Anna Sui and Nicole Miller soon made Ginger & Lace a must-stop shop for global glamour. An eye for a buy…Like any successful fashion boutique, Ginger & Lace relies on the expertise of its buyers and vision of its owner to guarantee future growth. Luckily for this unique venture it gets the two rolled into one; owner Sahar Mekkawi also sources all the designs while on extended buying trips to the world's fashion hotspots. Her experience is second to none having worked in the fashion business in the region, promoting and marketing international brands such as Tod's, Christian Lacroix, and Ralph Lauren. The contacts and knowledge that this young entrepreneur picked up while working in the fashion industry, give Ginger & Lace a solid base on which to grow and expand in tandem with the growing demand for high fashion in the Middle East. The bigger picture…Ginger & Lace is part of a larger group, Syslink, a processing agency and a fashion consultancy as well as distribution business that was launched in Los Angeles in 2002. With branches in Paris and Dubai, Syslink specializes in introducing new as well as established US designers to the Middle East. Syslink was the first to work introduce famous US designers such as Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Wheels and Doll Baby, Tibi, Lotta, James Coviello and Ingwa Melero. The company now caters to more than 32 luxury department stores, as well as specialty stores around the Gulf. Looking forward…And the best news for Ginger & Lace fans? Expect to see the name above the door of many more boutiques in the region. In addition, shoppers will continue to see new and exciting brands such as Tord Boontje home accessories and Lockhart handbags being introduced to the stores in the near future.
What you desire If you live in the UAE and you haven't heard of Ginger & Lace, then you probably aren't a dedicated follower of fashion. Ask any fashionista worth her weight in Jimmy Choos where she likes to shop in Dubai for high quality, international brands and Ginger and Lace is guaranteed to be among her favourite shopping destinations.
Tel.: +9714 3685109 www.gingerandlace.com
128
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
129
Fashion & Jewellery
Ginger & Lace.qxp
12/28/2006
11:28 AM
Page 1
Here's a taste of what it is that makes women go weak at the knees when they hear the words, Ginger & Lace. Décor to die for… The first Ginger & Lace store opened in April 2005 at Ibn Battuta. Like a beacon of individuality flashing in the otherwise high-street store dominated shopping mall, women were quickly drawn to the boutique by its feminine, clean cut design - as well as the fabulous array of eye-catching dresses on display. Open and airy with simple moulded wood fixtures and fittings the boutique let its clothes do the talking, while providing a spacious and welcoming environment for its guests. It didn't take long for the news of Ginger & Lace's arrival to spread, and it soon had a loyal following of fashion-hungry females. Labels the ladies love…Ginger & Lace was one of the first stores in Dubai to provide shoppers with real choice when it came to designer brands. It started a trend by importing a new generation of cult labels that had previously only been available in the US or Europe. Welcome to designs women in the Middle East had seen their favourite style icons such as Kate Moss, Sienna Miller or Nicole Richi wearing in international fashion magazines - they suddenly became available here in the UAE. Betsey Johnson, Wheels & Doll Baby, Ingwa Melero, Meghan, Sass and Bide, Issa, La Petite Salope and Erickson Beamon, to name just a few, lined the store's rails. The unique mix of niche and more established names such as Anna Sui and Nicole Miller soon made Ginger & Lace a must-stop shop for global glamour. An eye for a buy…Like any successful fashion boutique, Ginger & Lace relies on the expertise of its buyers and vision of its owner to guarantee future growth. Luckily for this unique venture it gets the two rolled into one; owner Sahar Mekkawi also sources all the designs while on extended buying trips to the world's fashion hotspots. Her experience is second to none having worked in the fashion business in the region, promoting and marketing international brands such as Tod's, Christian Lacroix, and Ralph Lauren. The contacts and knowledge that this young entrepreneur picked up while working in the fashion industry, give Ginger & Lace a solid base on which to grow and expand in tandem with the growing demand for high fashion in the Middle East. The bigger picture…Ginger & Lace is part of a larger group, Syslink, a processing agency and a fashion consultancy as well as distribution business that was launched in Los Angeles in 2002. With branches in Paris and Dubai, Syslink specializes in introducing new as well as established US designers to the Middle East. Syslink was the first to work introduce famous US designers such as Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Wheels and Doll Baby, Tibi, Lotta, James Coviello and Ingwa Melero. The company now caters to more than 32 luxury department stores, as well as specialty stores around the Gulf. Looking forward…And the best news for Ginger & Lace fans? Expect to see the name above the door of many more boutiques in the region. In addition, shoppers will continue to see new and exciting brands such as Tord Boontje home accessories and Lockhart handbags being introduced to the stores in the near future.
What you desire If you live in the UAE and you haven't heard of Ginger & Lace, then you probably aren't a dedicated follower of fashion. Ask any fashionista worth her weight in Jimmy Choos where she likes to shop in Dubai for high quality, international brands and Ginger and Lace is guaranteed to be among her favourite shopping destinations.
Tel.: +9714 3685109 www.gingerandlace.com
128
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
129
Fashion & Jewellery
candella1.qxp
12/27/2006
1:39 PM
Page 1
Stepping in Style Whilst practical yet pretty, strappy flats can look cute. The appeal of a stiletto however is unabashedly sensuous. Thanks to the added height, sashaying in all her glory, a woman in heels feels powerful, glamorous and utterly alluring.
Shirin Abdulrazak & Rasha
The benefits of retail therapy are never to be overlooked. When stress levels sky rocket, you've got two choices: Either indulge on chocolate ice cream, or shop yourself into a good mood. The former makes you fat, the latter makes you broke! Not if you choose wisely though. And when it comes to deriving maximum satisfaction from the retail therapeutic angle, nothing fulfils like shopping for shoes in a boutique called Candella. Launched in Dubai's Village Mall in 2003, with a second branch on the way in Dubai Mall, this is a veritable Aladdin's Cave for shoe fetishists, and more. "We have combined a multiple mix of brands and styles in different price brackets that reflect our tastes and needs as women", explains founding partner Shirin Abdulrazak who, together with her eldest daughter Rasha, runs this quirky, flirty and utterly fabulous retail gem. "We have also handpicked accessories like scarves, costume jewellery, hats and handbags to make putting together an outfit easier", she adds. Hot on the international shoe buyer's circuit, Candella has developed the 'less is more' strategy. This means that collections are changed frequently to avoid the dreaded replication syndrome. In addition, limited quantities of any one item are ordered so as to engender the 'must have' factor and consequent customer
130
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
131
loyalty, further honed by a wellreceived in-house customer loyalty card programme. "Our brand and marketing strategy has naturally based itself on common sense and personal sensibilities," 24-year-old Rasha explains. With top brands at diverse price ranges and in varying styles, this mother and daughter duo are the forerunners of the genuine boutique concept - something that is missing in Dubai's overtly standardised retail chain scenario. "Entrepreneurs in this part of the world often play it safe by investing in popular franchise retail options. Not only does it deaden choice and kill excitement when all malls house the same shops that look alike and stock similar products, it destroys the novelty and the breathless fun that comes from discovering a new and beautiful item: like a lovely pair of shoes," Rasha adds. This is also why quirky home grown boutique brands like Candella are becoming so popular with shoppers and mall marketers alike. Candella not only looks different, airy yet cosy, replete with glass shelves and well
positioned point of sale angles strewn with great finds vertiginous stilettos, diamante' flip flops, beaded pashminas, dangly earrings - they encourage browsing, mixing and matching. Candella is getting it right because Shirin and Rasha understand their customers and, in many ways, identify with them by responding to their desires quickly and creatively. Oscar Wilde claimed “that the best things in life were either illegal, immoral or they made you fat.” Not so when it comes to shoes. If there is one thing that a woman can be addicted to without qualms, then it has to be shoes", says Rasha. Elevated from a necessary accessory to a prized style statement, "We gladly celebrate these compulsions and genuinely enjoy feeding the craving because to some extent, we are equally infatuated", Rasha laughs. "I own at least 100 pairs myself." Clearly, mother and daughter have their heads in the sky but their feet firmly on the ground… Tel.: + 971 4 3421961 www.candellatrading.com
Fashion & Jewellery
candella1.qxp
12/27/2006
1:39 PM
Page 1
Stepping in Style Whilst practical yet pretty, strappy flats can look cute. The appeal of a stiletto however is unabashedly sensuous. Thanks to the added height, sashaying in all her glory, a woman in heels feels powerful, glamorous and utterly alluring.
Shirin Abdulrazak & Rasha
The benefits of retail therapy are never to be overlooked. When stress levels sky rocket, you've got two choices: Either indulge on chocolate ice cream, or shop yourself into a good mood. The former makes you fat, the latter makes you broke! Not if you choose wisely though. And when it comes to deriving maximum satisfaction from the retail therapeutic angle, nothing fulfils like shopping for shoes in a boutique called Candella. Launched in Dubai's Village Mall in 2003, with a second branch on the way in Dubai Mall, this is a veritable Aladdin's Cave for shoe fetishists, and more. "We have combined a multiple mix of brands and styles in different price brackets that reflect our tastes and needs as women", explains founding partner Shirin Abdulrazak who, together with her eldest daughter Rasha, runs this quirky, flirty and utterly fabulous retail gem. "We have also handpicked accessories like scarves, costume jewellery, hats and handbags to make putting together an outfit easier", she adds. Hot on the international shoe buyer's circuit, Candella has developed the 'less is more' strategy. This means that collections are changed frequently to avoid the dreaded replication syndrome. In addition, limited quantities of any one item are ordered so as to engender the 'must have' factor and consequent customer
130
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
131
loyalty, further honed by a wellreceived in-house customer loyalty card programme. "Our brand and marketing strategy has naturally based itself on common sense and personal sensibilities," 24-year-old Rasha explains. With top brands at diverse price ranges and in varying styles, this mother and daughter duo are the forerunners of the genuine boutique concept - something that is missing in Dubai's overtly standardised retail chain scenario. "Entrepreneurs in this part of the world often play it safe by investing in popular franchise retail options. Not only does it deaden choice and kill excitement when all malls house the same shops that look alike and stock similar products, it destroys the novelty and the breathless fun that comes from discovering a new and beautiful item: like a lovely pair of shoes," Rasha adds. This is also why quirky home grown boutique brands like Candella are becoming so popular with shoppers and mall marketers alike. Candella not only looks different, airy yet cosy, replete with glass shelves and well
positioned point of sale angles strewn with great finds vertiginous stilettos, diamante' flip flops, beaded pashminas, dangly earrings - they encourage browsing, mixing and matching. Candella is getting it right because Shirin and Rasha understand their customers and, in many ways, identify with them by responding to their desires quickly and creatively. Oscar Wilde claimed “that the best things in life were either illegal, immoral or they made you fat.” Not so when it comes to shoes. If there is one thing that a woman can be addicted to without qualms, then it has to be shoes", says Rasha. Elevated from a necessary accessory to a prized style statement, "We gladly celebrate these compulsions and genuinely enjoy feeding the craving because to some extent, we are equally infatuated", Rasha laughs. "I own at least 100 pairs myself." Clearly, mother and daughter have their heads in the sky but their feet firmly on the ground… Tel.: + 971 4 3421961 www.candellatrading.com
Fashion & Jewellery
UMI Pearls.qxp
1/4/2007
3:03 PM
Page 1
Pearl Obsession A prized fascination for centuries, pearls are the most magical and feminine of all gems. Uniquely created by a living organism, they come in different shapes, colours and sizes emanating glow and quintessential elegance. No lady of substance can be without a string of precious pearls.
Doulatram Harchandrai
Vikram and Natasha Jethwani
quality and grace in every aspect of his dealings. This ethos has effectively helped us in transforming challenges into great opportunities.” Do you plan any expansions? If so, when, what and why? “We recently developed two new brands, Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the various consumer segments we wish to address. Carte Blanche is a high-end range of diamond jewellery, which comes with certification, whilst Kokeishi, which means Japanese Dolls,is colourful, young and versatile. Kokeishi consists of a wide range of coloured precious and semiprecious stones. By developing these fresh concepts, we are capitalising on the renewed popularity of jewellery that is innovative, stylish and accessible to those with taste.”
Meena Jethwani, MD of UMI Pearls explains, “We have launched two new brands, Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the various consumer segments we wish to address.” When and why did you first start your operations in Dubai? “Our company, Universal Pearls & Jewels LLC (UMI), was started in 1994 on the strength of the expertise fostered by my father, Mr. Doulatram Harchandrai, a pioneer of the cultured pearl export industry in Japan way back in 1956.” Throughout your years in Dubai, what changes have you witnessed in terms of the emirate’s development as a hub for pearl jewellery manufacturing and trading? “With cultured pearls, operations in Dubai have focussed predominantly on trading and wholesale supply, as opposed to manufacture and design. Things are now changing, with traders such as ourselves moving strongly into brand development based on the creation of unique pearl jewellery pieces aimed at a young, yet discerning, global clientele.”
Rukmani D. Harchandrai
What challenges have you faced in growing your business? “Challenges are part and parcel of any business, so in this sense our struggles over the years have been shared by other companies in diverse spheres. The crucial difference lies in the manner with which we have remained true to the guiding principles of my father, who has upheld honesty,
132
Best of Dubai
Dubai strives for a sophisticated image. What type of branding strategy do you envision for your exclusive pearl brand? “We are devising tailor-made promotional campaigns worldwide that will help us promote our new brands and reinforce our existing UMI brand. Whilst advertising is essential in today’s world, we nevertheless rely on our individual customers’ word of mouth, and their continued loyalty to and appreciation of our designs.” Can you briefly run through the individual themes of your operations and services, explaining the new trends and approaches in your field of pearl jewellery fashions? “At Universal Jewels and Pearls, we specialise in pearls. In terms of current trends, ‘mixing n’ matching’ is the name of the
Best of Dubai
133
game. With our Pearls brand, funky, chunky designs made with all kinds of pearls and semi-precious stones for instance are the rage - an ethnic look with a sophisticated feel. Essentially, novelty always appeals, as does fine workmanship and guaranteed quality – this never goes out of style.” How would you define your management style? What lessons have you learnt during this working experience in Dubai? “I am relaxed, I work as a family with my staff, and I am open to suggestions and ideas from each member of the company. Living and working in Dubai has enriched my life. It is home in every sense of the word.” How has your business increased over the years? What further strategies for profitability do you have? “We plan to build our brands, widen our product range and deliver quality every step of the way.” When you are not selling pearls and creating beautiful jewellery designs, what do you do to relax? “Being at home is like an antidote to stress. I have a big family to love and take care of, and who support me in every way. In addition to this, I read, listen to music, and paint. I love painting. Ultimately, I would like to add that the greatest teaching that I have received from my parents in life is to be humble. My youngest son, Avinash, is all that and more. This is what he has brought home to me. One can always learn from young and old.” Tel.: +9714 225 2555 www.universalpearls.com
Fashion & Jewellery
UMI Pearls.qxp
1/4/2007
3:03 PM
Page 1
Pearl Obsession A prized fascination for centuries, pearls are the most magical and feminine of all gems. Uniquely created by a living organism, they come in different shapes, colours and sizes emanating glow and quintessential elegance. No lady of substance can be without a string of precious pearls.
Doulatram Harchandrai
Vikram and Natasha Jethwani
quality and grace in every aspect of his dealings. This ethos has effectively helped us in transforming challenges into great opportunities.” Do you plan any expansions? If so, when, what and why? “We recently developed two new brands, Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the various consumer segments we wish to address. Carte Blanche is a high-end range of diamond jewellery, which comes with certification, whilst Kokeishi, which means Japanese Dolls,is colourful, young and versatile. Kokeishi consists of a wide range of coloured precious and semiprecious stones. By developing these fresh concepts, we are capitalising on the renewed popularity of jewellery that is innovative, stylish and accessible to those with taste.”
Meena Jethwani, MD of UMI Pearls explains, “We have launched two new brands, Carte Blanche and Kokeishi, to cater to the various consumer segments we wish to address.” When and why did you first start your operations in Dubai? “Our company, Universal Pearls & Jewels LLC (UMI), was started in 1994 on the strength of the expertise fostered by my father, Mr. Doulatram Harchandrai, a pioneer of the cultured pearl export industry in Japan way back in 1956.” Throughout your years in Dubai, what changes have you witnessed in terms of the emirate’s development as a hub for pearl jewellery manufacturing and trading? “With cultured pearls, operations in Dubai have focussed predominantly on trading and wholesale supply, as opposed to manufacture and design. Things are now changing, with traders such as ourselves moving strongly into brand development based on the creation of unique pearl jewellery pieces aimed at a young, yet discerning, global clientele.”
Rukmani D. Harchandrai
What challenges have you faced in growing your business? “Challenges are part and parcel of any business, so in this sense our struggles over the years have been shared by other companies in diverse spheres. The crucial difference lies in the manner with which we have remained true to the guiding principles of my father, who has upheld honesty,
132
Best of Dubai
Dubai strives for a sophisticated image. What type of branding strategy do you envision for your exclusive pearl brand? “We are devising tailor-made promotional campaigns worldwide that will help us promote our new brands and reinforce our existing UMI brand. Whilst advertising is essential in today’s world, we nevertheless rely on our individual customers’ word of mouth, and their continued loyalty to and appreciation of our designs.” Can you briefly run through the individual themes of your operations and services, explaining the new trends and approaches in your field of pearl jewellery fashions? “At Universal Jewels and Pearls, we specialise in pearls. In terms of current trends, ‘mixing n’ matching’ is the name of the
Best of Dubai
133
game. With our Pearls brand, funky, chunky designs made with all kinds of pearls and semi-precious stones for instance are the rage - an ethnic look with a sophisticated feel. Essentially, novelty always appeals, as does fine workmanship and guaranteed quality – this never goes out of style.” How would you define your management style? What lessons have you learnt during this working experience in Dubai? “I am relaxed, I work as a family with my staff, and I am open to suggestions and ideas from each member of the company. Living and working in Dubai has enriched my life. It is home in every sense of the word.” How has your business increased over the years? What further strategies for profitability do you have? “We plan to build our brands, widen our product range and deliver quality every step of the way.” When you are not selling pearls and creating beautiful jewellery designs, what do you do to relax? “Being at home is like an antidote to stress. I have a big family to love and take care of, and who support me in every way. In addition to this, I read, listen to music, and paint. I love painting. Ultimately, I would like to add that the greatest teaching that I have received from my parents in life is to be humble. My youngest son, Avinash, is all that and more. This is what he has brought home to me. One can always learn from young and old.” Tel.: +9714 225 2555 www.universalpearls.com
Fashion & Jewellery
Passionate about beauty and innovation The expression 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever' may ring true, but what truly lives up to that maxim? When it comes to fine jewellery, Scintilla Monaco (SM) enshrines that age-old dictum with glistening glamour and effortless aplomb.
Erminia De Marco, PR Manager, SM explains this philosophy. "Beauty enriches us all", she says. "It stimulates the senses, moves the heart and gives us that very special glow of well-being. That's what our jewellery expresses." Featuring only exclusive fancy-shaped diamonds in its collections, their proposition is unique. De Marco says, "This allows our designers an infinite range of creative possibilities. Unlike round stones which, to be honest, are rather boring, fancy shapes are more stimulating and inspiring. That is why our jewellery is the choice of women who wear jewels that are as distinctive as themselves." In a world where the terms 'design' and 'innovation' are used to death, welcome to one jewellery company that unabashedly proves that innovation and creativity have no boundaries. Take their latest collection - Rialto - for instance, named after the famous Venetian bridge, the brilliance and impeccable quality of SM diamonds are further enhanced by the unique setting, aptly named 'Gondola'. This totally novel setting, signifies a shift from the traditional Scintilla setting to a more modern and minimalist one reminiscent of this traditional vessel plying the canals of Venice. In addition, the Rialto collection advances even further with the use of two shades of gold; green and pink, recalling the aristocratic colour combination of mystical Venice. Taking pride of place at the most exclusive retailers in Monte Carlo, Nice, Tokyo, Moscow, Riyadh, Manama and, naturally, in Dubai, this purveyor of fine jewellery has elevated innovation and excellence to an art. Tel.: +9714 800 MONACO www.scintilla.com
134
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
135
Fashion & Jewellery
Passionate about beauty and innovation The expression 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever' may ring true, but what truly lives up to that maxim? When it comes to fine jewellery, Scintilla Monaco (SM) enshrines that age-old dictum with glistening glamour and effortless aplomb.
Erminia De Marco, PR Manager, SM explains this philosophy. "Beauty enriches us all", she says. "It stimulates the senses, moves the heart and gives us that very special glow of well-being. That's what our jewellery expresses." Featuring only exclusive fancy-shaped diamonds in its collections, their proposition is unique. De Marco says, "This allows our designers an infinite range of creative possibilities. Unlike round stones which, to be honest, are rather boring, fancy shapes are more stimulating and inspiring. That is why our jewellery is the choice of women who wear jewels that are as distinctive as themselves." In a world where the terms 'design' and 'innovation' are used to death, welcome to one jewellery company that unabashedly proves that innovation and creativity have no boundaries. Take their latest collection - Rialto - for instance, named after the famous Venetian bridge, the brilliance and impeccable quality of SM diamonds are further enhanced by the unique setting, aptly named 'Gondola'. This totally novel setting, signifies a shift from the traditional Scintilla setting to a more modern and minimalist one reminiscent of this traditional vessel plying the canals of Venice. In addition, the Rialto collection advances even further with the use of two shades of gold; green and pink, recalling the aristocratic colour combination of mystical Venice. Taking pride of place at the most exclusive retailers in Monte Carlo, Nice, Tokyo, Moscow, Riyadh, Manama and, naturally, in Dubai, this purveyor of fine jewellery has elevated innovation and excellence to an art. Tel.: +9714 800 MONACO www.scintilla.com
134
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
135
"Quality is not merely an end. It has become a way of life." Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 8 Luxury Lifestyles
"Quality is not merely an end. It has become a way of life." Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 8 Luxury Lifestyles
Luxury Lifestyles
casa del habano_L1.qxp
12/12/06
4:41 PM
Page 1
Clouds of Kudos La Casa del Habano, Dubai's exclusive provider of the world's finest cigars, offers its distinguished clientele a simple yet clear declaration of social kudos and quality combined.
The UAE boasted 59,000 millionaires in 2005, up 12 per cent from 2004. This means that with luxury residences, superior shopping centres and technologically progressive industries flourishing throughout the nation, a certain lifestyle is to be had that embodies refinement and of course, wealth. While the rapid growth Dubai has experienced to date is a relatively new phenomenon, early players such as the pioneering FMCG marketing and distribution company, Baqer Mohebi Establishment (BME) has looked ahead, cementing its reputation as provider of high-end products and consumables. A local and regional leader in the FMCG industry and the name behind leading products from corporate giants Danone and Kimberly-Clark, its been operating since 1931. Already a veteran in this young and thriving Emirate - BME has continuously diversified its interests and expanded its range, region and core business. Today, this family-run business has risen from
humble beginnings in the souk to become a national and regional institution promoting and catering to elite branding and tastes. We are all familiar with the image: designer outfits, fabulous accessories, luxury sports cars, a premier residence and an active social life. The basic characteristics of Dubai's successful, these underline "I've arrived!" and can all be perfectly accented with a simple accessory...the iconic Cuban cigar. Dubai's discerning gentlemen and more and more ladies need only turn to one place… La Casa del Habano, Dubai's exclusive provider of the world's finest cigars. As a division of the tobacco retail arm of BME, La Casa del Habano offers its distinguished clientele a simple yet clear declaration of social kudos, first class service and quality combined. Six years ago La Casa del Habano opened its flagship store at one of Dubai's premier addresses, the Emirates Towers shopping boulevard. In under a decade, the brand has
138
Best of Dubai
casa del habano_L1.qxp
12/8/06
3:35 AM
Page 2
strengthened with six additional locations throughout the UAE, Oman and Iran and the largest Casa in the world destined for the Walk at the Jumeirah Beach Residence. BME’s expansion plans clearly indicate the increasing popularity of Cuban cigars affording cigar smokers the ease, convenience and selection that come with a first grade product and service. In 2004, the chairman of the group, Dr. Zainal Mohebi, was awarded the title of ‘Habano Man of the Year’ in the business category. Mohammed Mohebi, CEO of Zainal Mohebi Group received this accolade on behalf of his father who was the passionate inspiration behind the group's success. In typical Mohebi fashion and Cuban tradition, La Casa del Habano deeply respects the intricacies and personal selection process of each of its 'family members'. "Habano enthusiasts can explore their passion in our in-store lounge," explains BME's general manager, S.H. Siadat. Each store is equipped with a cigar lounge for clientele to experience and savour the aromatic lure of the famed Cuban cigar. To further ensure utmost quality and knowledge of each individual cigar, BME implements strict climate control in each location and all retail staff are required to undergo training and refresher courses to keep abreast of developments taking place in Cuba and the cigar industry. Likewise, the distribution division of BME trains all hotel and restaurant staff in the art of storing, cutting and serving a cigar. As for health concerns, “Cigar smoking is a passion - not a habit. It’s a delicate relationship and clients are very particular. They enjoy seeing a professional cutting and preparing the cigar for them to savour the exquisite pleasure properly” explains Siadat. According to him, no textbook
Best of Dubai
139
description can be applied to cigar smokers. A cigar smoker is as “diverse as the streets of Dubai and as intense as the streets of Havana.” A love for Cuban cigars stems from a desire to experience a rich and pure tradition that is as intriguing as it is simple, a tradition that dates back 500 years and is exquisitely preserved today with over 160 million cigars produced by hand every year and encased in a signature wooden box. With an astounding 38 brands of Habanos available to choose from and global trends heralding a smoke-free era, Dubai seems headed in the same direction. Siadat is not worried. He believes that true cigar aficionados will remain true and simply adapt their lifestyles to ensure the continued and uninterrupted pleasure of a Habano. As a testament to this confidence, BME plans to extend its innovative marketing and advertising campaigns through cigar-inspired events and theme nights in close collaboration with the hospitality industry. He goes on to assure us that Dubai's transient expatriate society on the go is not a problem, because outbound numbers pale in comparison to the multitudes choosing Dubai as their base. With approximately 50,000 millionaires currently residing in Dubai today and thousands more aspiring to enjoy the city’s distinct privileges, Habanos and all the fineries of life, image and social discernment show no signs of dwindling. Where industrial cities worldwide exist beneath a thick black cloud of smog, the clouds above Dubai's glistening skyline are laced with an intoxicating aroma redolent with success and fulfilment. Heaven or Havana…Dubai and La Casa del Habano offer a slice of both. Tel.: +9714 396 9777 www.lacasadelhabano.cu
Dr. Zainal Mohebi Chairman - Zainal Mohebi Group
Mohammed Mohebi CEO - Zainal Mohebi Group
Luxury Lifestyles
archimedia.qxp
12/27/2006
1:12 PM
Page 1
Home Entertainment Solutions
enjoying your music and movies anywhere at anytime. You don’t need DVDs to watch your movies, and you can play three different movies, in three different rooms, all off one digital source. Your music gets the same treatment - Sinatra in the living room, Bach in the study and Coldplay in the bedroom, and not a CD in sight. Archimedia integrates some of the industry’s most impressive technologies to deliver totally seamless control and multi – room solutions.
As home entertainment and automation technology advances and becomes increasingly complex, it doesn’t need to be complicated to use. Today’s homes are becoming more and more luxurious and a large part of the luxury lifestyle is based on integrated home entertainment and automation systems. These allow you to enjoy a superior audio and video experience wherever you happen to be, with simplified control solutions that make it all easy to use. Archimedia specializes in high end audio video and automation systems that bring that lifestyle home.
A Structured Process Archimedia is a member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), an organisation dedicated to the design and installation of residential audio video and control systems. Through their membership of CEDIA, Archimedia is able to stay on top of all of the important trends in residential systems integration technology. In addition, Archimedia specializes in working with consultants and interior designers throughout the process to ensure that the result is a fully integrated system. Systems will be designed by a team of professionals and CAD designers will prepare working drawings for all structured wiring to be performed by the builder of electrical contractor. This ensures no need to retrofit once finishing has been completed. Already furnished your home? Archimedia has solutions that minimise the need to make any structural changes using wireless technology and innovative cable management techniques. BRANDS Bowers and Wilkins Over the past 30 years, the name Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has become synonymous with high-fidelity loud-speakers of the finest quality, from affordable compact speaker systems to the most sophisticated, hand-crafted collector's pieces. B&W's scientists and engineers work closely with teams from recording industry giants such as EMI, Decca and Deutsche-Grammophon and Bowers and Wilkins loudspeakers are installed in famous recording studios throughout the world, including the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Kaleidescape With the Kaleidescape Entertainment Server System, an elegant and intuitive interface lets you instantly locate and enjoy the media you want, when you want it, anywhere in your home. Because it’s extraordinarily easy to use, every member of the family and even your guests can enjoy their favourite movies and music throughout the house. The system stores all your music and movies on a sophisticated array of digital storage media and allows you to stream them all over your home. The Kaleidescape System delivers exceptional entertainment value without compromise – movies and music are imported and stored at the highest quality possible in order to deliver the viewing and listening experience exactly as the artist intended. Classé Classé is Canada’s leading maker of high-performance music and home theatre components. Since building their first amplifier in 1980, passion and dedication have inspired the research that yields Classé’s outstanding no-compromise electronics. In 2001, Classé became part of the B&W Group. The distribution, financial and organizational resources offered by this leading UK-based loudspeaker manufacturer have propelled Classé to the forefront of contemporary high-end audio design.
The possiblities are truly endless. The solutions that are now available enable systems to be totally tailor made to enhance not only your lifestyle, but also the beautiful interior décor of your home. Many customers opt for state-of-the art home cinemas, which can be customised to meet individual tastes. Art Deco? Beaux Arts? Contemporary? Perhaps a tailor-made theme that reflects a special hobby or passion? Archimedia offers numerous control solutions such as programmable remote controls and touch panels that will allow you to control your entire entertainment system from practically anywhere in your home. Lighting, climate control, multi room audio and video, security and even your curtains can be literally managed at your fingertips.
140
Best of Dubai
Quality of Sound and Image When it comes to quality, Archimedia will not compromise. Their systems have been installed in the homes of royalty, heads of state, audio enthusiasts and afficionados throughout the region, and only use the world’s finest audio and video equipmnent. Archimedia's brands include some of the world’s best names in audio visual: Bowers and Wilkins, Classe, Rotel, Theta Digital, Sim2, Kaleidescape, Sonos, Nevo, Xperinet and Straight wire.
Crestron Total Home Technology from Crestron streamlines and simplifies all the technology in your home or yacht, offering the ultimate lifestyle of comfort and convenience. Crestron's award-winning Total Home Technology Solution eliminates the need to walk from room to room to adjust drapes, lights, temperature, and audio/video components. Total control is always at your fingertips. With just a single touch the lights dim, the shades close, the plasma TV turns on and your favorite movie begins. All you need is the popcorn and soda. Your window treatments can be programmed to adjust at pre-set times to protect delicate fabrics and fine art from harmful direct sunlight. At night, the hallway lights can be programmed to automatically illuminate as you walk by.
Streaming What is Streaming? Streaming is setting your media free and
Tel.: +9714 337 0181 / 2 www.archimedia-me.com
Best of Dubai
141
Luxury Lifestyles
archimedia.qxp
12/27/2006
1:12 PM
Page 1
Home Entertainment Solutions
enjoying your music and movies anywhere at anytime. You don’t need DVDs to watch your movies, and you can play three different movies, in three different rooms, all off one digital source. Your music gets the same treatment - Sinatra in the living room, Bach in the study and Coldplay in the bedroom, and not a CD in sight. Archimedia integrates some of the industry’s most impressive technologies to deliver totally seamless control and multi – room solutions.
As home entertainment and automation technology advances and becomes increasingly complex, it doesn’t need to be complicated to use. Today’s homes are becoming more and more luxurious and a large part of the luxury lifestyle is based on integrated home entertainment and automation systems. These allow you to enjoy a superior audio and video experience wherever you happen to be, with simplified control solutions that make it all easy to use. Archimedia specializes in high end audio video and automation systems that bring that lifestyle home.
A Structured Process Archimedia is a member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), an organisation dedicated to the design and installation of residential audio video and control systems. Through their membership of CEDIA, Archimedia is able to stay on top of all of the important trends in residential systems integration technology. In addition, Archimedia specializes in working with consultants and interior designers throughout the process to ensure that the result is a fully integrated system. Systems will be designed by a team of professionals and CAD designers will prepare working drawings for all structured wiring to be performed by the builder of electrical contractor. This ensures no need to retrofit once finishing has been completed. Already furnished your home? Archimedia has solutions that minimise the need to make any structural changes using wireless technology and innovative cable management techniques. BRANDS Bowers and Wilkins Over the past 30 years, the name Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has become synonymous with high-fidelity loud-speakers of the finest quality, from affordable compact speaker systems to the most sophisticated, hand-crafted collector's pieces. B&W's scientists and engineers work closely with teams from recording industry giants such as EMI, Decca and Deutsche-Grammophon and Bowers and Wilkins loudspeakers are installed in famous recording studios throughout the world, including the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Kaleidescape With the Kaleidescape Entertainment Server System, an elegant and intuitive interface lets you instantly locate and enjoy the media you want, when you want it, anywhere in your home. Because it’s extraordinarily easy to use, every member of the family and even your guests can enjoy their favourite movies and music throughout the house. The system stores all your music and movies on a sophisticated array of digital storage media and allows you to stream them all over your home. The Kaleidescape System delivers exceptional entertainment value without compromise – movies and music are imported and stored at the highest quality possible in order to deliver the viewing and listening experience exactly as the artist intended. Classé Classé is Canada’s leading maker of high-performance music and home theatre components. Since building their first amplifier in 1980, passion and dedication have inspired the research that yields Classé’s outstanding no-compromise electronics. In 2001, Classé became part of the B&W Group. The distribution, financial and organizational resources offered by this leading UK-based loudspeaker manufacturer have propelled Classé to the forefront of contemporary high-end audio design.
The possiblities are truly endless. The solutions that are now available enable systems to be totally tailor made to enhance not only your lifestyle, but also the beautiful interior décor of your home. Many customers opt for state-of-the art home cinemas, which can be customised to meet individual tastes. Art Deco? Beaux Arts? Contemporary? Perhaps a tailor-made theme that reflects a special hobby or passion? Archimedia offers numerous control solutions such as programmable remote controls and touch panels that will allow you to control your entire entertainment system from practically anywhere in your home. Lighting, climate control, multi room audio and video, security and even your curtains can be literally managed at your fingertips.
140
Best of Dubai
Quality of Sound and Image When it comes to quality, Archimedia will not compromise. Their systems have been installed in the homes of royalty, heads of state, audio enthusiasts and afficionados throughout the region, and only use the world’s finest audio and video equipmnent. Archimedia's brands include some of the world’s best names in audio visual: Bowers and Wilkins, Classe, Rotel, Theta Digital, Sim2, Kaleidescape, Sonos, Nevo, Xperinet and Straight wire.
Crestron Total Home Technology from Crestron streamlines and simplifies all the technology in your home or yacht, offering the ultimate lifestyle of comfort and convenience. Crestron's award-winning Total Home Technology Solution eliminates the need to walk from room to room to adjust drapes, lights, temperature, and audio/video components. Total control is always at your fingertips. With just a single touch the lights dim, the shades close, the plasma TV turns on and your favorite movie begins. All you need is the popcorn and soda. Your window treatments can be programmed to adjust at pre-set times to protect delicate fabrics and fine art from harmful direct sunlight. At night, the hallway lights can be programmed to automatically illuminate as you walk by.
Streaming What is Streaming? Streaming is setting your media free and
Tel.: +9714 337 0181 / 2 www.archimedia-me.com
Best of Dubai
141
Luxury Lifestyles
Driving Luxury Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claim to success through the ownership of prestigious cars that mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai.
Roger Ghosn, Marketing Manager
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Bentley Flying Spur GT
Bugatti Veyron
Aston Martin DB9
142
Best of Dubai
If you were to define Dubai in a single word, it would most likely be ‘luxury’. Through the vision of its progressive leadership and enterprising residents, the emirate has spearheaded a regional drive for the development of a superior lifestyle in a superior environment. The common thread in all sectors of the emirate’s astounding economic growth is undoubtedly to provide the best of the best. An example is leading Dubai automotive dealer Al Habtoor Motors. Since 1983, the company has enjoyed a steady, upward growth through exclusively offering the world’s three most prestigious automobiles: Aston Martin, Bentley and lately the Bugatti, known to be the fastest car on earth. Aside from being the exclusive agent of
Best of Dubai
143
Japanese car manufacturing giant Mitsubishi Motors, Al Habtoor Motors is an Aladdin’s cave for status and quality conscious Dubaians. According to Roger Ghosn, marketing manager for Al Habtoor Motors, the owner of a prestige automobile possesses a thirst to make a statement and define himself as a connoisseur. He explains, “I read somewhere of a young, Arab woman working an average job and yet dreaming of one day owning a V12 Vanquish Aston Martin (the James Bond car). Practical considerations aside, chances are that her desire will ultimately be fulfilled, because when anyone sees this art work in motion with its exquisite detailing, they will stop at nothing to make it their own.” Dreams of automotive speed and luxury are indicative of a robust economy and an increasingly brand conscious consumer. Major players such as Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claim to success through the ownership of prestigious cars that mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai. Statistically speaking, owning a car is the second most important investment after purchasing a home, and until recently was the only large investment expatriates living in Dubai were legally permitted to make. But with the advent of freehold housing laws, Dubai’s wealthy come in all shapes and sizes and ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ can be taken to another level entirely. So who is the owner of a Bugatti as opposed to a Bentley or an Aston Martin, both of which are in any case extremely sought after and costly cars in themselves? “Our buyers comprise bank owners, CEOs, royalty…VIPs and VVIPs of all nationalities,” states Ghosn, adding, “Al Habtoor does not target a market segment but rather the individual who has the means to buy an Aston Martin and Bentley. Everything is possible here and anyone can acquire a bank loan and own either of these cars. The big difference is the Bugatti. Not everyone can own a Bugatti so now we are even separating the prestige
cars into two different segments.” While perfectly-coiffed heads in Dubai may still turn in appreciation of a Bentley or an Aston Martin, the spotting of a Bugatti still inspires unabashed admiration in a town that has seen it all. A Bugatti owner fits a selective and specific profile. “A Bugatti owner will purchase his or her Bugatti as a second car because you cannot drive a Bugatti every day. If you go full speed at 400km/h, you will get around 12 minutes of drive time to the tank.” Aside from the engineering feat of being the world’s fastest car, equipped with a W16 airplane engine, a Bugatti is a collector’s item. In Ghosn’s words, “the prestige of owning a Bugatti is truly special.” Without disclosing the who of his client base, Ghosn assures us that business in Dubai’s prestige sector is booming, with Al Habtoor Motors enjoying a high ratio of referrals. Through innovative marketing campaigns and strategies as well as a dedicated staff training programme and high consumer satisfaction, Al Habtoor Motors has been able to enjoy between 17 and 22 percent market growth in its automotive divisions, and has further cemented its enviable position with the successful launch of a new car every two to three years. Since Bugatti was first introduced to the UAE market in late 2005, the phones haven’t stopped ringing. Today, Al Habtoor caters to the rising needs of its privileged consumer while simultaneously ‘growing with the UAE’. This is a testament to Dubai’s uniqueness, and a tribute to Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder of the Al Habtoor Group, who believed in the following principle: “If you want to secure your future, just create it.” This profound lesson is not only fiercely followed by the staff at Al Habtoor Motors, but perfectly sums up this nation’s overall attitude and perspective. Tel.: +9714 269 1110 www.alhabtoor-motors.com
Luxury Lifestyles
Driving Luxury Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claim to success through the ownership of prestigious cars that mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai.
Roger Ghosn, Marketing Manager
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Bentley Flying Spur GT
Bugatti Veyron
Aston Martin DB9
142
Best of Dubai
If you were to define Dubai in a single word, it would most likely be ‘luxury’. Through the vision of its progressive leadership and enterprising residents, the emirate has spearheaded a regional drive for the development of a superior lifestyle in a superior environment. The common thread in all sectors of the emirate’s astounding economic growth is undoubtedly to provide the best of the best. An example is leading Dubai automotive dealer Al Habtoor Motors. Since 1983, the company has enjoyed a steady, upward growth through exclusively offering the world’s three most prestigious automobiles: Aston Martin, Bentley and lately the Bugatti, known to be the fastest car on earth. Aside from being the exclusive agent of
Best of Dubai
143
Japanese car manufacturing giant Mitsubishi Motors, Al Habtoor Motors is an Aladdin’s cave for status and quality conscious Dubaians. According to Roger Ghosn, marketing manager for Al Habtoor Motors, the owner of a prestige automobile possesses a thirst to make a statement and define himself as a connoisseur. He explains, “I read somewhere of a young, Arab woman working an average job and yet dreaming of one day owning a V12 Vanquish Aston Martin (the James Bond car). Practical considerations aside, chances are that her desire will ultimately be fulfilled, because when anyone sees this art work in motion with its exquisite detailing, they will stop at nothing to make it their own.” Dreams of automotive speed and luxury are indicative of a robust economy and an increasingly brand conscious consumer. Major players such as Al Habtoor provide the means of staking claim to success through the ownership of prestigious cars that mirror the privileged lifestyle of Dubai. Statistically speaking, owning a car is the second most important investment after purchasing a home, and until recently was the only large investment expatriates living in Dubai were legally permitted to make. But with the advent of freehold housing laws, Dubai’s wealthy come in all shapes and sizes and ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ can be taken to another level entirely. So who is the owner of a Bugatti as opposed to a Bentley or an Aston Martin, both of which are in any case extremely sought after and costly cars in themselves? “Our buyers comprise bank owners, CEOs, royalty…VIPs and VVIPs of all nationalities,” states Ghosn, adding, “Al Habtoor does not target a market segment but rather the individual who has the means to buy an Aston Martin and Bentley. Everything is possible here and anyone can acquire a bank loan and own either of these cars. The big difference is the Bugatti. Not everyone can own a Bugatti so now we are even separating the prestige
cars into two different segments.” While perfectly-coiffed heads in Dubai may still turn in appreciation of a Bentley or an Aston Martin, the spotting of a Bugatti still inspires unabashed admiration in a town that has seen it all. A Bugatti owner fits a selective and specific profile. “A Bugatti owner will purchase his or her Bugatti as a second car because you cannot drive a Bugatti every day. If you go full speed at 400km/h, you will get around 12 minutes of drive time to the tank.” Aside from the engineering feat of being the world’s fastest car, equipped with a W16 airplane engine, a Bugatti is a collector’s item. In Ghosn’s words, “the prestige of owning a Bugatti is truly special.” Without disclosing the who of his client base, Ghosn assures us that business in Dubai’s prestige sector is booming, with Al Habtoor Motors enjoying a high ratio of referrals. Through innovative marketing campaigns and strategies as well as a dedicated staff training programme and high consumer satisfaction, Al Habtoor Motors has been able to enjoy between 17 and 22 percent market growth in its automotive divisions, and has further cemented its enviable position with the successful launch of a new car every two to three years. Since Bugatti was first introduced to the UAE market in late 2005, the phones haven’t stopped ringing. Today, Al Habtoor caters to the rising needs of its privileged consumer while simultaneously ‘growing with the UAE’. This is a testament to Dubai’s uniqueness, and a tribute to Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder of the Al Habtoor Group, who believed in the following principle: “If you want to secure your future, just create it.” This profound lesson is not only fiercely followed by the staff at Al Habtoor Motors, but perfectly sums up this nation’s overall attitude and perspective. Tel.: +9714 269 1110 www.alhabtoor-motors.com
Luxury Lifestyles
House of Cars.qxp
12/28/2006
4:09 PM
Page 1
Magical Miles Founded in 1988, the House of Cars Group has grown to become one of Dubai's most prestigious luxury car dealers. With a turnover of over 250 top-end vehicles per year, the dedicated downtown showroom boasts an excellent array of fairly priced models in pristine condition.
experienced Porsche technicians working with state-of-the-art equipment on your vehicles. Services Exclusive 7 Star Warranty All our cars come with an Industry Leading 7 star warranty, exclusive to the House of Cars Group. House of Cars indemnifies you, our valued customer against loss, for both parts and labour, due to mechanical or electrical breakdown of components specifically covered, occurring during the validity of your agreement.
Craig Johnson, Owner and Motorsports enthusiast. Member of the Automobile and Towing Club, UAE
Craig Johnson tells the story... The House of Cars Group (HOC) was founded in 1998 and has built up to be probably the most enthusiastic motor business today in Dubai. Each of the 80 loyal and committed employees are proud of our group’s services, sales and after sales. To complement our Group's customer services, we have our own independent Porsche Garage and BMW Service Centre. These proudly boast outstanding value for money and superb quality across a full range of vehicles, plus full body or accident repair including vehicle enhancement facilities, available for all our customers.
The X Service Centre The X Service Centre is the first professional independent BMW Service Centre in Dubai. We offer you that personal touch. As BMW specialists we understand BMW drivers as well as other marques and that's why we'll have you back in the drivers seat in the time it takes for you to enjoy a hot cappuccino in our air conditioned comfortable waiting area, while our technicians service your vehicle on the other side of the glass in the spotless hi-tech workshop. House of Cars Porsche Garage Our Porsche garage is arguably the finest independent specialist Porsche Service Centre in the UAE with
144
Best of Dubai
Car Protection The naturally hot climate in the UAE is not an ideal environment for any car. We have joined forces with Diamond Brite who have a highly researched process, which has been developed over thirty years, to offer protection to your cars paintwork and to ensure your vehicle retains its showroom appearance for many years. Unlike other products available in the market there is no mileage limit with the guarantee. Auto Loans We believe at HOC that wishes should not be kept waiting. That's why our Auto Loans are designed for simplicity and most importantly for speed. You can count on our experience and expertise as a leading automotive group in the UAE to make them come true, with our speedy approvals, flexible terms and special customer privileges we really do make car ownership simple and affordable.
Best of Dubai
145
The Missing Cover on your Vehicle You've sorted out the finance, the Insurance and even the registration, but there's one more thing you need to consider, GAP Plus Finance Protection. It's easy and inexpensive and the benefits are huge, it protects your investment for up to 3 years, settles outstanding finance and helps to put you back in a position to replace your vehicle on a like to like basis. Car Insurance Together we're stronger, now you have chosen your car let us help you choose your car insurance and make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. When we get the insurance for your new vehicle you can be sure we'll be there for you whenever you need us. Our partners in Insurance pride themselves on their claims service, should you ever need to make one, that is. They promise to give you quality cover and to deal with your claim speedily and efficiently. Bodyshop At our X-Centre facility you will find the Groups accident & body repair centre. Unfortunately at some time or another most of us are involved in that small bump, crunch or even worse. We will take all the hassle and handle all correspondence and repair your car in our first class bodyshop to it's original condition and get you back on the road in no time at all. Tel.: +9714 343 5060 www.houseofcarsgroup.com
Our Porsche garage is arguably the finest independent specialist Porsche Service Centre in the UAE with experienced Porsche technicians working with state of the art equipment on your vehicles.
Luxury Lifestyles
House of Cars.qxp
12/28/2006
4:09 PM
Page 1
Magical Miles Founded in 1988, the House of Cars Group has grown to become one of Dubai's most prestigious luxury car dealers. With a turnover of over 250 top-end vehicles per year, the dedicated downtown showroom boasts an excellent array of fairly priced models in pristine condition.
experienced Porsche technicians working with state-of-the-art equipment on your vehicles. Services Exclusive 7 Star Warranty All our cars come with an Industry Leading 7 star warranty, exclusive to the House of Cars Group. House of Cars indemnifies you, our valued customer against loss, for both parts and labour, due to mechanical or electrical breakdown of components specifically covered, occurring during the validity of your agreement.
Craig Johnson, Owner and Motorsports enthusiast. Member of the Automobile and Towing Club, UAE
Craig Johnson tells the story... The House of Cars Group (HOC) was founded in 1998 and has built up to be probably the most enthusiastic motor business today in Dubai. Each of the 80 loyal and committed employees are proud of our group’s services, sales and after sales. To complement our Group's customer services, we have our own independent Porsche Garage and BMW Service Centre. These proudly boast outstanding value for money and superb quality across a full range of vehicles, plus full body or accident repair including vehicle enhancement facilities, available for all our customers.
The X Service Centre The X Service Centre is the first professional independent BMW Service Centre in Dubai. We offer you that personal touch. As BMW specialists we understand BMW drivers as well as other marques and that's why we'll have you back in the drivers seat in the time it takes for you to enjoy a hot cappuccino in our air conditioned comfortable waiting area, while our technicians service your vehicle on the other side of the glass in the spotless hi-tech workshop. House of Cars Porsche Garage Our Porsche garage is arguably the finest independent specialist Porsche Service Centre in the UAE with
144
Best of Dubai
Car Protection The naturally hot climate in the UAE is not an ideal environment for any car. We have joined forces with Diamond Brite who have a highly researched process, which has been developed over thirty years, to offer protection to your cars paintwork and to ensure your vehicle retains its showroom appearance for many years. Unlike other products available in the market there is no mileage limit with the guarantee. Auto Loans We believe at HOC that wishes should not be kept waiting. That's why our Auto Loans are designed for simplicity and most importantly for speed. You can count on our experience and expertise as a leading automotive group in the UAE to make them come true, with our speedy approvals, flexible terms and special customer privileges we really do make car ownership simple and affordable.
Best of Dubai
145
The Missing Cover on your Vehicle You've sorted out the finance, the Insurance and even the registration, but there's one more thing you need to consider, GAP Plus Finance Protection. It's easy and inexpensive and the benefits are huge, it protects your investment for up to 3 years, settles outstanding finance and helps to put you back in a position to replace your vehicle on a like to like basis. Car Insurance Together we're stronger, now you have chosen your car let us help you choose your car insurance and make the necessary arrangements on your behalf. When we get the insurance for your new vehicle you can be sure we'll be there for you whenever you need us. Our partners in Insurance pride themselves on their claims service, should you ever need to make one, that is. They promise to give you quality cover and to deal with your claim speedily and efficiently. Bodyshop At our X-Centre facility you will find the Groups accident & body repair centre. Unfortunately at some time or another most of us are involved in that small bump, crunch or even worse. We will take all the hassle and handle all correspondence and repair your car in our first class bodyshop to it's original condition and get you back on the road in no time at all. Tel.: +9714 343 5060 www.houseofcarsgroup.com
Our Porsche garage is arguably the finest independent specialist Porsche Service Centre in the UAE with experienced Porsche technicians working with state of the art equipment on your vehicles.
Luxury Lifestyles
1 LMME - C.qxp
12/28/2006
4:48 PM
Page 1
Cresting the Waves
With approximately 60,000 properties being built in the ‘New Dubai’ that nestles along the coast of the Gulf, the emirate's nascent leisure sailing and yachting industry is taking shape. With budding enthusiasts taking to the water and setting sail towards luxury lifestyle pursuits, Dubai's centuries-old seafaring traditions are being rediscovered.
When the best in yachts reflects the best in innovation and luxury lifestyles
Leisure Marine Middle East & Leisure Marine Charters Since new marina developments will increase berth capacity by an estimated 4,500 within the next 18 months, the growing infrastructure is laying the foundations for a new leisure industry to come to life. Whether you wish to purchase a vessel or hire one for the weekend, as the sole agents for Princess and Larson in the region, Leisure Marine Middle East can cater to your needs. Joining forces with Leisure Marine Charters, together they are servicing the rise in boating interests. "Our corporate philosophy is to offer boat owners an enjoyable and hassle free yachting experience by anticipating their expectations and fulfilling their needs - throughout all aspects of boat ownership and usage" explains Mr. Sam Qubrosi Managing Director. If you are not ready to take the plunge and purchase your own vessel, chartering one is the next best thing. Departing from the prestigious Dubai Golf and Creek Club, one of LMC's spectacular yachts can take you for leisurely cruise along the coast; stopping for a refreshing swim in the beautiful Gulf waters along the way, or perhaps an overnight trip to neighbouring Oman will suit a more special occasion. Whether your journey is short or long, you will be accompanied by a team of highly skilled crew who have collectively sailed over 60,000 nautical miles, and you will experience a luxury service second to none.
Founded in 1965 as Marine Projects Ltd in Plymouth, PYI has earned its world class reputation by introducing over 80 exceptional model lines into the market. Now, as one of the most respected names in the marine industry, they remain as firmly committed to creating some of the world's most exciting handbuilt motor yachts as they were to making their mark in the industry all those years ago. The entire Princess Yacht model collection, from the charming 42ft to the magnificent 90ft yacht, is available to those who are as passionate about yachts as Leisure Marine Middle East is.
Founded in 1913 on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Paul Larson discovered the art of boat building, and a legend was born. Larson now offers 24 models to seafaring enthusiasts. Using only the highest-grade materials, Larson combine the most advanced technology with the same age old dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and honest value that Paul Larson had when he was building wooden boats. Attracting a younger, sportier audience, Larson boats are a hit with water sport enthusiasts and the young at heart. Tel.: +9714 338 8604 (LMME) Tel.: +9714 355 1703 (LMC) www.leisuremarine-me.com
146
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
147
Luxury Lifestyles
1 LMME - C.qxp
12/28/2006
4:48 PM
Page 1
Cresting the Waves
With approximately 60,000 properties being built in the ‘New Dubai’ that nestles along the coast of the Gulf, the emirate's nascent leisure sailing and yachting industry is taking shape. With budding enthusiasts taking to the water and setting sail towards luxury lifestyle pursuits, Dubai's centuries-old seafaring traditions are being rediscovered.
When the best in yachts reflects the best in innovation and luxury lifestyles
Leisure Marine Middle East & Leisure Marine Charters Since new marina developments will increase berth capacity by an estimated 4,500 within the next 18 months, the growing infrastructure is laying the foundations for a new leisure industry to come to life. Whether you wish to purchase a vessel or hire one for the weekend, as the sole agents for Princess and Larson in the region, Leisure Marine Middle East can cater to your needs. Joining forces with Leisure Marine Charters, together they are servicing the rise in boating interests. "Our corporate philosophy is to offer boat owners an enjoyable and hassle free yachting experience by anticipating their expectations and fulfilling their needs - throughout all aspects of boat ownership and usage" explains Mr. Sam Qubrosi Managing Director. If you are not ready to take the plunge and purchase your own vessel, chartering one is the next best thing. Departing from the prestigious Dubai Golf and Creek Club, one of LMC's spectacular yachts can take you for leisurely cruise along the coast; stopping for a refreshing swim in the beautiful Gulf waters along the way, or perhaps an overnight trip to neighbouring Oman will suit a more special occasion. Whether your journey is short or long, you will be accompanied by a team of highly skilled crew who have collectively sailed over 60,000 nautical miles, and you will experience a luxury service second to none.
Founded in 1965 as Marine Projects Ltd in Plymouth, PYI has earned its world class reputation by introducing over 80 exceptional model lines into the market. Now, as one of the most respected names in the marine industry, they remain as firmly committed to creating some of the world's most exciting handbuilt motor yachts as they were to making their mark in the industry all those years ago. The entire Princess Yacht model collection, from the charming 42ft to the magnificent 90ft yacht, is available to those who are as passionate about yachts as Leisure Marine Middle East is.
Founded in 1913 on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Paul Larson discovered the art of boat building, and a legend was born. Larson now offers 24 models to seafaring enthusiasts. Using only the highest-grade materials, Larson combine the most advanced technology with the same age old dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and honest value that Paul Larson had when he was building wooden boats. Attracting a younger, sportier audience, Larson boats are a hit with water sport enthusiasts and the young at heart. Tel.: +9714 338 8604 (LMME) Tel.: +9714 355 1703 (LMC) www.leisuremarine-me.com
146
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
147
Luxury Lifestyles
IFA - Luxury - 1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:19 PM
Page 1
Intelligent Homes – The Home Automation People As the saying goes, “a man’s home is his castle,” and with the induction of the new Dubai Property Law, more and more consumers will be locking to fix up their newly-bought “castles” in style.
One way to customize the home is through an “intelligent” wiring design with multi-room entertainment systems, comprehensive audio and video designs, interior and exterior lighting, and even curtains and security that can be controlled from one simple central panel. Intelligent Homes, a CEDIA member since 2002, is a leading custom electronic installation company in Dubai. Since its inception, the company has secured a place within the UAE as one of the market leaders in the field of home automation through its offerings of the high-end Crestron and Opus control systems. The company recently secured installation contracts at the Palm Jumeirah within the Oceana and Tiara apartments, and its fully-trained programmers and engineers have installed many systems in Emirates Hills and other Dubai suburbs. • • •
•
Intelligent Homes are the preferred dealers of both CRESTRON & OPUS. Intelligent Homes are exclusive agents for complimentary products like Phase Technology and Waterfall speakers. Intelligent Homes have good business compatibility with renowned brands in audio-visual and lighting and security systems to provide customers with the most comprehensive system possible within their budget. Intelligent Homes have demonstration rooms showcasing their automation systems to give the clients a glimpse of what is possible.
Tel.: +9714 343 3960 Email:
[email protected] www.intelligenthomesdubai.com
148
Best of Dubai
148_151 IFA_Luxury_L1.qxp
12/10/06
10:29 AM
Page 2
Liv ing à la carte Living à la carte
: 3) Waking up to tropical bird song. Is the beauty of exotic locations calling you? Our global portfolio of elite residences, hotels and resorts will give wings to your dreams of living in luxury.
UAE Toll Free T: 800 4322
Dubai T: + 971 4 391 2022 E:
[email protected]
Kuwait T: + 965 249 0218 www.ifahotelsresorts.com
Luxury Lifestyles
148_151 IFA_Luxury_L1.qxp
12/8/06
4:42 AM
Page 3
Affordable Luxury No longer restricted to the very rich or the very lucky , more comprehensive options and added flexibility means that partaking in a luxury leisure lifestyle is now possible for increasingly larger segments of consumers across continents.
150
Best of Dubai
148_151 IFA_Luxury_L1.qxp
12/8/06
4:42 AM
Page 4
"Luxury means top end in all aspects", says Werner Burger, President and COO IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR). "We choose unique and exotic locations and then take into account what the luxury market requires. We look at the environment, the lifestyle and needs of the visitor, the design ethos, the detail of the resort layout and strive to make sure that what we envisage becomes a reality. All of our resorts reflect a new and accessible definition of luxury." By planning resorts holistically and discovering ways to incorporate the ideal service and facilities, IFA HR has developed a reputation as a leading provider of luxury resorts and accommodation. This has seen the Kuwait-based company taking a giant leap forward with some of its most ambitious projects to date - projects that define an entirely new level of sumptuousness. While products such as IFA Travel & Tourism, IFA Lifestyle Membership Clubs and IFA Vacation Ownership have added gloss to the IFA HR portfolio, for unadulterated grandeur, then it is the IFA Yacht Ownership Club that stands out above the rest. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club is designed and crafted for the bold, the discerning and the selfassured. The IFA Yacht Ownership Club is for those who understand the difference between an investment and an expense, with membership providing all the facilities of a five-star hotel in a stunning fleet of luxury vessels. Thanks to the 21st century business model employed by the IFA Yacht Ownership Club, owning a magnificent sailing vessel has been made possible at a fraction of the traditional cost. Being a member of the IFA Yacht Ownership Club also ensures the availability of a personal, fully crewed and maintained fleet too. Guaranteeing only the most comfortable journey to the most exotic locations, the club has invested in a high-tech fleet, moorings and berths at select destinations in the Middle East and Europe. With more global destinations being added and further enhanced membership options too, value for money does not come at the cost of elite service and facilities. In contrast to the IFA Yacht Ownership Club, IFA HR provides total rest and relaxation for the landlubber with their mixed-use resorts of the
Best of Dubai
151
highest order. These provide holidaymakers with the perfect retreat, and homeowners with quality accommodation accompanied by all the added extras of a five star resort. Even though IFA HR entrusts the management of these facilities to top international hotel operators, the company still maintains a close bond with its investment. "We provide a luxury development", states Burger, "and then stay on hand to see that the standards are maintained, which boosts investor confidence and enables us to keep the 'top end' luxury aspects of our initial concept in place." The IFA HR ambition for linking resorts across the globe has meant the traveller now has access to luxury accommodation in locations that include Lebanon (Alabadiyah Hills and Four Seasons Hotel Beirut), Portugal (Sheraton Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Resort), South Africa (Zimbali Coastal Resort, Zimbali Lodge, The Fairmont Zimbali and Boschendal Limited), Kenya (Lonrho Hotels), Zanzibar (Movenpick Resort and Spa) and the United Kingdom (YOtel). Just as they have done in Dubai, IFA HR have established a reputation for providing luxurious resort and residential housing in a tranquil environment in these locations. Plans are currently underway to expand this reach into markets such as the United States, Mauritius, Eastern Europe and the Far East. This will offer investors and tourists access to world class facilities through a network of hotels, residential resorts, vacation and residence club destinations across the globe. With the stresses and strains of modern living a constant struggle against the pressures of staying on top, everyone deserves a break. Earning the right to be pampered, therefore, is a must. Whether yachting, or enjoying a resort lifestyle, IFA HR provides exclusive levels of indulgence while still managing to remain assessable and convenient. Tel.: +9714 391 2022 www.ifahotelsresorts.com
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, engineer and architect
CHAPTER 9 Design & Interiors
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, engineer and architect
CHAPTER 9 Design & Interiors
1/4/2007
Design & Interiors
Zone1.qxp
3:09 PM
Page 1
A World in Motion 'Time is not standing still. It is constantly moving. The challenge lies in catching the moment. The moment where everything makes sense'. An apt parallel for the speed of growth and change in Dubai, in the region and in the world overall. The popularity of this brand that has taken shape by way of a three-store franchise operation called The Living Zone which includes Bombay and Zone in Mercato, Mall of the Emirates and Wafi City respectively, has indicated the receptiveness of the market for all home products that are innovative, good quality and fairly priced. For Shirin Abdulrazak speaking on behalf of her partners, this sense is epitomised in the creation and meticulous sourcing of their unique products. Ideal for every home environment, the Danish global brand Zone coins areas such as: Foodzone, livingzone, personalzone and workzone. They are more than quirky monikers. They represent the typically northern European utilitarian design ethos that everything is made for a reason, creating an entire 'feel' for a home that eschews frivolity without eradicating the element of 'fun'. In Zone we see clean lines; an abundance of chrome, glass and muted tones does not equate to minimalist sameness. On the contrary, browsing through the Zone stock is a refreshing surprise, you get to see useful every day home items reinvented with a zest that opens up a world of endless possibilities. Without needing to rely on gimmicks, the cooking and table ware, bathroom accessories, towels as well as space saving devices like hangers, trolleys represent totally useful bit and bobs that are ideal for both yourself and guests. 'On the other hand shopping at Bombay is a journey to the heart of the home'. Bombay International with its headquarters in Texas USA, designs and sources its own proprietary home furnishings through an overseas network of contract factories and agents, resulting in a unique, fashion-focused product line. Despite the retail frenzy prevalent in Dubai, one walks into shops here in search of a retail pick-me-up and often find yourself walking out empty handed. This is not the case when entering Bombay. It is a veritable treasure trove suited to any budget, need or mood. "These shops are all about inspiration
154
Best of Dubai
and freedom in a non-intimidating atmosphere", Shirin says. Perfect for all shoppers, from their signature Colonialinspired four poster beds, matching occasional furniture and bedding, to exquisitely finished desks, accompanying accoutrements and lighting solutions - the varied period elegance that is somehow never passe, takes a hold of you. I guarantee that it is impossible not to trawl around Bombay in a semi-trance visualising how the endless purchase possibilities can somehow make your life easier and more beautiful. As the chain expands with over 500 stores worldwide, the Dubai owners are participating in this growth. When Shirin and her partners brought this chain to the Middle East in 2002 their affordable, practical and innovative range was invigorating. "I loved it and given the brand's growing popularity in Dubai, I predicted rightly then that it would be an enduring relationship", she says. Now that the emirate has opened the floodgates to both tourism on a mass scale and freehold residential ownership for foreigners, there is a fresh interest in home product stores. Go to any local mall and the dedicated outlets in this category abound. It is the same at The Living Zone. Here, visitors can pick up items convenient to take home as gifts and residents who pop in are quickly enveloped by new shapes and combinations of materials that rapidly transform any seemingly mundane item into an essential 'must-have'. “We appreciate both Zone and Bombay's creation of products in-house, but also their expansive global strategy, We love good craftsmanship, I respect creativity. But above all The Living Zone is happy bringing value and beauty into people's homes.” Wafi City Tel: + 9714 324 5255 Mercato Mall: + 9714 344 5994 Mall of the Emirates: + 9714 341 1220 www.livingzone.ae
Best of Dubai
155
1/4/2007
Design & Interiors
Zone1.qxp
3:09 PM
Page 1
A World in Motion 'Time is not standing still. It is constantly moving. The challenge lies in catching the moment. The moment where everything makes sense'. An apt parallel for the speed of growth and change in Dubai, in the region and in the world overall. The popularity of this brand that has taken shape by way of a three-store franchise operation called The Living Zone which includes Bombay and Zone in Mercato, Mall of the Emirates and Wafi City respectively, has indicated the receptiveness of the market for all home products that are innovative, good quality and fairly priced. For Shirin Abdulrazak speaking on behalf of her partners, this sense is epitomised in the creation and meticulous sourcing of their unique products. Ideal for every home environment, the Danish global brand Zone coins areas such as: Foodzone, livingzone, personalzone and workzone. They are more than quirky monikers. They represent the typically northern European utilitarian design ethos that everything is made for a reason, creating an entire 'feel' for a home that eschews frivolity without eradicating the element of 'fun'. In Zone we see clean lines; an abundance of chrome, glass and muted tones does not equate to minimalist sameness. On the contrary, browsing through the Zone stock is a refreshing surprise, you get to see useful every day home items reinvented with a zest that opens up a world of endless possibilities. Without needing to rely on gimmicks, the cooking and table ware, bathroom accessories, towels as well as space saving devices like hangers, trolleys represent totally useful bit and bobs that are ideal for both yourself and guests. 'On the other hand shopping at Bombay is a journey to the heart of the home'. Bombay International with its headquarters in Texas USA, designs and sources its own proprietary home furnishings through an overseas network of contract factories and agents, resulting in a unique, fashion-focused product line. Despite the retail frenzy prevalent in Dubai, one walks into shops here in search of a retail pick-me-up and often find yourself walking out empty handed. This is not the case when entering Bombay. It is a veritable treasure trove suited to any budget, need or mood. "These shops are all about inspiration
154
Best of Dubai
and freedom in a non-intimidating atmosphere", Shirin says. Perfect for all shoppers, from their signature Colonialinspired four poster beds, matching occasional furniture and bedding, to exquisitely finished desks, accompanying accoutrements and lighting solutions - the varied period elegance that is somehow never passe, takes a hold of you. I guarantee that it is impossible not to trawl around Bombay in a semi-trance visualising how the endless purchase possibilities can somehow make your life easier and more beautiful. As the chain expands with over 500 stores worldwide, the Dubai owners are participating in this growth. When Shirin and her partners brought this chain to the Middle East in 2002 their affordable, practical and innovative range was invigorating. "I loved it and given the brand's growing popularity in Dubai, I predicted rightly then that it would be an enduring relationship", she says. Now that the emirate has opened the floodgates to both tourism on a mass scale and freehold residential ownership for foreigners, there is a fresh interest in home product stores. Go to any local mall and the dedicated outlets in this category abound. It is the same at The Living Zone. Here, visitors can pick up items convenient to take home as gifts and residents who pop in are quickly enveloped by new shapes and combinations of materials that rapidly transform any seemingly mundane item into an essential 'must-have'. “We appreciate both Zone and Bombay's creation of products in-house, but also their expansive global strategy, We love good craftsmanship, I respect creativity. But above all The Living Zone is happy bringing value and beauty into people's homes.” Wafi City Tel: + 9714 324 5255 Mercato Mall: + 9714 344 5994 Mall of the Emirates: + 9714 341 1220 www.livingzone.ae
Best of Dubai
155
Design & Interiors
Venetian A.qxp
1/4/2007
3:08 PM
Page 1
Design Retreat "Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no Art." Leonardo da Vinci
With an artistic luminary such as da Vinci as the inspiration behind their mission statement, Venetian Inter Décor delivers creativity to transform the empty canvas of homes and offices into the ideal space. A dream-child of the Time Machine Group, Venetian Inter Décor caters to classical and modern style residences, boutique stores, retail outlets, spas and salons, as well as corporate projects, restaurants and hotels. This new age décor and project management entity encompasses a design house, a fully fledged manufacturing unit, state-of-the art technology and an exclusive classical showroom showcasing international brands. Whether commercial or residential, Venetian Inter Décor's dynamic team is equally adept at responding to specific requirements. This involvement extends from preliminary concepts right through to the actual production and execution. Customers are guided through the entire process of design and material selection, along with inputs on customized furniture, carpets, fixtures, upholstery, linen and detailed accessories, while the extensive portfolio of designs and special finishes includes thematic murals, intricate wooden carving and sculptures and architectural glass design. The synchronized merger of engineering and art is what makes Venetian Inter Décor special, and an emerging market leader. Since its inception in 2004, Venetian Inter Décor has gradually developed into a multi-faceted interior design organization comprising different divisions - Design, Contracts and Manufacturing - handling key aspects of turnkey projects. The design division ensures each style is unique and each setting defines its true purpose, while the contract team ensures the workflow is smooth and the final project exceeds customer satisfaction. The manufacturing division, on the other hand, provides both soft furnishing and joinery solutions to provide the uniqueness and quality only available from proper handcrafting. Embodying the spirit of this talented international team, Venetian Inter Décor's work reflects the essence of the esteemed clientele. Inspired by the elegant, classical French and Italian designers and reminiscent of the Victorian Era, the team at Venetian Inter Décor create interior masterpieces - an amalgamation of the warmth of Arabic culture with a touch of French elegance. A unique showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road also showcases French and Italian décor, timeless furniture classics, intricate carvings and ethnic rustic lines. Each setting, though different, carries the signature of superior creations and intrinsic style. Young at heart and eager in spirit, Venetian Inter Décor aims to be positioned at the forefront of this industry by combining creative design styles with a radically thorough approach to execution. In achieving this, the company ensures quality custom interiors, whether for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or a unique piece for any part of the house or retail outlet, at affordable prices. Tel.: +9714 339 3330 www.venetian-interdecor.com
158
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
159
Design & Interiors
Venetian A.qxp
1/4/2007
3:08 PM
Page 1
Design Retreat "Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no Art." Leonardo da Vinci
With an artistic luminary such as da Vinci as the inspiration behind their mission statement, Venetian Inter Décor delivers creativity to transform the empty canvas of homes and offices into the ideal space. A dream-child of the Time Machine Group, Venetian Inter Décor caters to classical and modern style residences, boutique stores, retail outlets, spas and salons, as well as corporate projects, restaurants and hotels. This new age décor and project management entity encompasses a design house, a fully fledged manufacturing unit, state-of-the art technology and an exclusive classical showroom showcasing international brands. Whether commercial or residential, Venetian Inter Décor's dynamic team is equally adept at responding to specific requirements. This involvement extends from preliminary concepts right through to the actual production and execution. Customers are guided through the entire process of design and material selection, along with inputs on customized furniture, carpets, fixtures, upholstery, linen and detailed accessories, while the extensive portfolio of designs and special finishes includes thematic murals, intricate wooden carving and sculptures and architectural glass design. The synchronized merger of engineering and art is what makes Venetian Inter Décor special, and an emerging market leader. Since its inception in 2004, Venetian Inter Décor has gradually developed into a multi-faceted interior design organization comprising different divisions - Design, Contracts and Manufacturing - handling key aspects of turnkey projects. The design division ensures each style is unique and each setting defines its true purpose, while the contract team ensures the workflow is smooth and the final project exceeds customer satisfaction. The manufacturing division, on the other hand, provides both soft furnishing and joinery solutions to provide the uniqueness and quality only available from proper handcrafting. Embodying the spirit of this talented international team, Venetian Inter Décor's work reflects the essence of the esteemed clientele. Inspired by the elegant, classical French and Italian designers and reminiscent of the Victorian Era, the team at Venetian Inter Décor create interior masterpieces - an amalgamation of the warmth of Arabic culture with a touch of French elegance. A unique showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road also showcases French and Italian décor, timeless furniture classics, intricate carvings and ethnic rustic lines. Each setting, though different, carries the signature of superior creations and intrinsic style. Young at heart and eager in spirit, Venetian Inter Décor aims to be positioned at the forefront of this industry by combining creative design styles with a radically thorough approach to execution. In achieving this, the company ensures quality custom interiors, whether for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or a unique piece for any part of the house or retail outlet, at affordable prices. Tel.: +9714 339 3330 www.venetian-interdecor.com
158
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
159
Opulent Flooring Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapult into the international market place.
Carpeting the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
Best of Dubai
161
83
Best of Dubai
Opulent Flooring Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapult into the international market place.
Carpeting the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab
Best of Dubai
161
83
Best of Dubai
In tandem with most Gulf states, oil-based revenues have traditionally dominated the economic sector. However the U.A.E. and particularly Dubai has pursued an enlightened strategy based on economic diversification, notably into financial services, tourism and manufacturing. Emtex, a manufacturer of pure New Zealand wool hand tufted carpets is a perfect example of the ideal company the emirate wants to see flourish. Established in 1993 as the first hand tufted carpet factory in the region, Emtex have had the privilege to be involved in some of the most prestigious projects carried out throughout the GCC and Middle East, with projects completed as far a field as in France, UK and US. In interior design terms, opulent floorings either carpets or rugs - are as essential as the icing on a cake, and along with fine upholstery and curtains they represent the final design accoutrements to any well appointed space. It is for these reasons that the carpet designers at Emtex work extensively with some of the world’s leading Interior Designers to develop carpet patterns to suit the individual needs of their VIP clients. With customisation and convenience as core priorities, hand crafted carpet samples are provided free-of-charge usually within 48 hours of receiving approved design with colour details given so as to make the interior designer’s life easier. Once the samples are approved, 100 per cent Pure New Zealand Wool dyed in customised colours are ordered from Emtex’s overseas suppliers. Prior to the yarn arriving at the factory, artists
Best of Dubai
84
prepare the canvas which is stretched onto the tufting frame. Teams of skilled hand tufters then begin the process of tufting the carpet design, colour by colour and shape by shape, using custom coloured yarns until the whole designated area is accurately and completely covered with woolen tufts. Once the tufting process is completed, the carpet is latexed with a secondary backing and then transferred to the finishing section where the skilled process of cropping , shearing and carving is carried out by hand, ensuring that the carpet is finished perfectly smooth and that the design areas are perfectly embossed to meet the quality expectations of individual clients.
Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapult into the international market place. Elevating carpet design to a rare art, connoisseurs understand the unique mix of artistry and quality when they see an Emtex carpet. With the proliferation of more luxury hotels and palaces in the pipeline, Emtex is clearly on a magic carpet ride to global success. Tel.: +9714 881 5662 www.emtexcarpet.com
Emtex carpets in the Burj Al Arab
162
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
163
In tandem with most Gulf states, oil-based revenues have traditionally dominated the economic sector. However the U.A.E. and particularly Dubai has pursued an enlightened strategy based on economic diversification, notably into financial services, tourism and manufacturing. Emtex, a manufacturer of pure New Zealand wool hand tufted carpets is a perfect example of the ideal company the emirate wants to see flourish. Established in 1993 as the first hand tufted carpet factory in the region, Emtex have had the privilege to be involved in some of the most prestigious projects carried out throughout the GCC and Middle East, with projects completed as far a field as in France, UK and US. In interior design terms, opulent floorings either carpets or rugs - are as essential as the icing on a cake, and along with fine upholstery and curtains they represent the final design accoutrements to any well appointed space. It is for these reasons that the carpet designers at Emtex work extensively with some of the world’s leading Interior Designers to develop carpet patterns to suit the individual needs of their VIP clients. With customisation and convenience as core priorities, hand crafted carpet samples are provided free-of-charge usually within 48 hours of receiving approved design with colour details given so as to make the interior designer’s life easier. Once the samples are approved, 100 per cent Pure New Zealand Wool dyed in customised colours are ordered from Emtex’s overseas suppliers. Prior to the yarn arriving at the factory, artists
Best of Dubai
84
prepare the canvas which is stretched onto the tufting frame. Teams of skilled hand tufters then begin the process of tufting the carpet design, colour by colour and shape by shape, using custom coloured yarns until the whole designated area is accurately and completely covered with woolen tufts. Once the tufting process is completed, the carpet is latexed with a secondary backing and then transferred to the finishing section where the skilled process of cropping , shearing and carving is carried out by hand, ensuring that the carpet is finished perfectly smooth and that the design areas are perfectly embossed to meet the quality expectations of individual clients.
Emtex's works of art are found in all the public areas of the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Stunningly beautiful, their signature pieces are partly responsible for Emtex's catapult into the international market place. Elevating carpet design to a rare art, connoisseurs understand the unique mix of artistry and quality when they see an Emtex carpet. With the proliferation of more luxury hotels and palaces in the pipeline, Emtex is clearly on a magic carpet ride to global success. Tel.: +9714 881 5662 www.emtexcarpet.com
Emtex carpets in the Burj Al Arab
162
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
163
"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything." Arabic proverb, Anonymous
CHAPTER 10 Health & Beauty
Courtesy of Jumeirah Group
"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything." Arabic proverb, Anonymous
CHAPTER 10 Health & Beauty
Courtesy of Jumeirah Group
Health & Beauty
american hospital.qxp
12/27/2006
1:11 PM
Page 1
Forever Care
The American Hospital Dubai provides quality, cost effective, American standard healthcare to meet the needs of Dubai and the surrounding Gulf states through comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary care services on an inpatient, outpatient and referral basis.
Each year almost half a billion dollars is pumped into the UAE’s Healthcare system, and the public and private facilities available to the nation’s residents boast the latest in technology, resources and professional expertise. This was not always the case. Up until a decade ago, healthcare in the UAE was limited to a handful of respectable but over-populated government-run public hospitals and clinics. As the population grew to 1.2 million, so did the demand for Western-equivalent medicine on par with International, namely American, standards. Ask anyone in town to name the best hospital in Dubai, and the answer would be the American Hospital Dubai. A landmark in the city, The American Hospital Dubai (AHD), a 143 bed acute care, general medical / surgical hospital was established in 1996 and has proven itself to be a leader among private and medical centers in the Emirate. The Hospital was planned, designed, built and equipped to meet American Standards of Healthcare. The hospital operates to these standards and all its physicians are North American Board Certified or of equivalent Western training programs, such as those in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Catering to quality medicine, AHD is the first hospital in the Middle East to be accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA); a subsidiary of the United States based Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare organizations (JCAHO). This pioneering initiative has not only eased the worries of Dubai’s residents, it has also heralded the creation of a thriving health industry. Projects such as the US$ 1.8 billion Dubai Healthcare City – the strategic vision of General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai– seek to strengthen Dubai as a global hub for specialized healthcare and a center for medical education and research. The spearhead for all of this was AHD. Despite the expensive mandate, “AHD is committed to provide American Standard Healthcare with the highest quality of patient care”, says Michael French, CEO. Eliminating the need to travel abroad for treatment, AHD continued to expand its facilities to include an 180,000 square foot Outpatient Medical Building, to enable the continued expansion of physician specialties, which was opened in September 2006. He adds, “We remain committed to our continuous investment in new technologies, services and American Board Certified or equivalent standard Physicians.” AHD is a leader in primary and secondary programs that have been expanded into the more complex tertiary programs such as the newly established Cancer Care Center, as well its Heart Center, offering the complete spectrum of cardiac care from Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and the Beating Heart Cardiothoracic surgery. This is in addition to the well established Total Joint Replacement and Diabetes Centers. The AHD Total Joint Replacement Center is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide after similar centers in Holland, Spain and Britain. Dr. Samih Tarabichi, the Center’s Director has performed over 4000 joint replacements and holds two surgical patents used in knee joint replacement. With a dedicated approach to improving services, “We expect to see more hospitals seeking international accreditations and investment in newer technologies and expertise”, remarks French. Tel.: +9714 336 7777 www.ahdubai.com
166
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
167
Health & Beauty
american hospital.qxp
12/27/2006
1:11 PM
Page 1
Forever Care
The American Hospital Dubai provides quality, cost effective, American standard healthcare to meet the needs of Dubai and the surrounding Gulf states through comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary care services on an inpatient, outpatient and referral basis.
Each year almost half a billion dollars is pumped into the UAE’s Healthcare system, and the public and private facilities available to the nation’s residents boast the latest in technology, resources and professional expertise. This was not always the case. Up until a decade ago, healthcare in the UAE was limited to a handful of respectable but over-populated government-run public hospitals and clinics. As the population grew to 1.2 million, so did the demand for Western-equivalent medicine on par with International, namely American, standards. Ask anyone in town to name the best hospital in Dubai, and the answer would be the American Hospital Dubai. A landmark in the city, The American Hospital Dubai (AHD), a 143 bed acute care, general medical / surgical hospital was established in 1996 and has proven itself to be a leader among private and medical centers in the Emirate. The Hospital was planned, designed, built and equipped to meet American Standards of Healthcare. The hospital operates to these standards and all its physicians are North American Board Certified or of equivalent Western training programs, such as those in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Catering to quality medicine, AHD is the first hospital in the Middle East to be accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA); a subsidiary of the United States based Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare organizations (JCAHO). This pioneering initiative has not only eased the worries of Dubai’s residents, it has also heralded the creation of a thriving health industry. Projects such as the US$ 1.8 billion Dubai Healthcare City – the strategic vision of General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai– seek to strengthen Dubai as a global hub for specialized healthcare and a center for medical education and research. The spearhead for all of this was AHD. Despite the expensive mandate, “AHD is committed to provide American Standard Healthcare with the highest quality of patient care”, says Michael French, CEO. Eliminating the need to travel abroad for treatment, AHD continued to expand its facilities to include an 180,000 square foot Outpatient Medical Building, to enable the continued expansion of physician specialties, which was opened in September 2006. He adds, “We remain committed to our continuous investment in new technologies, services and American Board Certified or equivalent standard Physicians.” AHD is a leader in primary and secondary programs that have been expanded into the more complex tertiary programs such as the newly established Cancer Care Center, as well its Heart Center, offering the complete spectrum of cardiac care from Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology and the Beating Heart Cardiothoracic surgery. This is in addition to the well established Total Joint Replacement and Diabetes Centers. The AHD Total Joint Replacement Center is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the fourth worldwide after similar centers in Holland, Spain and Britain. Dr. Samih Tarabichi, the Center’s Director has performed over 4000 joint replacements and holds two surgical patents used in knee joint replacement. With a dedicated approach to improving services, “We expect to see more hospitals seeking international accreditations and investment in newer technologies and expertise”, remarks French. Tel.: +9714 336 7777 www.ahdubai.com
166
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
167
Health & Beauty
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
2:58 AM
Page 1
Fitter Forever “Since 2003, our mandate under the guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has been to create a specialist Centre that harmonises conventional and alternative medicine to provide relief for chronic conditions”, explains Dr Upendra Acharya, the centre’s medical director and himself a Dermatologist and Energy Medicine specialist.
168
Best of Dubai
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
2:58 AM
Dr Upendra Acharya, Dermatologist and Energy Medicine Specialist
Best of Dubai
169
Page 2
What do you do if you are physically run-down and mentally exhausted? What if you have tried to get conventional medical relief from all manner of chronic ailments without success? Or if none of the above applies, and all you want is to stay fit and healthy, what are the options? First there’s the allopathic route, which involves surgical repair or removal, where an isolated body part is targeted for attention. Drugs, often causing side-effects of varying seriousness, are commonly used as part of the treatment or to alleviate symptoms and even side-effects of other drugs. Then there are alternative or complementary treatments that fall under the category of the ‘Holistic’ approach. This is a general term for any therapy intended to treat the individual as a whole – mind, body, soul. When holistic medicine is used alone instead of allopathic remedies, outside the realm of modern conventional medicine, it is called ‘Alternative’. However, when a holistic treatment is practised alongside conventional medicine, it is referred to as ‘Complementary’. Expertly merging these two approaches is the Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre (DHTC). “Since 2003, our mandate under the guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has been to create a specialist Centre that harmonises conventional and alternative medicine to provide relief for chronic conditions”, explains Dr Upendra Acharya. Whilst merely tackling symptoms may be standard practice elsewhere, at the DHTC the prevention of disease in order to increase longevity and vitality are pivotal objectives common to all nine therapies practised at this pristine facility. Secluded in ample manicured gardens, the team of 24 internationally qualified medical personnel tend, nurture and heal. Friendly and calming, the overall ambience of the spacious treatment centre is so unlike the cold and sterile feel of other clinics that it's easy to forget that DHTC is the world’s only integrated facility, with both the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management and ISO 14001:2004 Environment Management certification. “At DHTC we believe in prevention first, treatment next and wellness above all. Our holistic focus reflects the expanding awareness of our patient-base of all ages and different walks of life who are embracing our philosophy and this is why we are flourishing”, Dr. Acharya explains. This expanding awareness at the root of complementary health is seen as the basis of the socalled ‘New Age’ movement. Originating in the East, this philosophy, giving supreme importance to a healthy mindbodysoul connection, gained momentum in the West in the Sixties. Since then it has embraced all areas of popular western culture, particularly the medical field. This is not to say that the operation at DHTC veers towards the faddish or the exclusive spa mode; on the contrary. “We are keen to ensure that the bona fide medical aspect of this facility is maintained wherein our complementary treatments fit into a well balanced range that makes the clinic both unique and able to tackle, as well as prevent disease in a multi-pronged way”, explains Mohammed Hadi Al-Marashi, Administrative Director, DHTC. Whilst good genes count, good choices count even more on the path of a long and healthy life. Resolutely complementary in their approach, every practitioner at DHTC believes that a positive attitude and a healthy
lifestyle are more vital in determining this over genes alone. This is why the majority of these allopathic practitioners have taken nature’s bounty and diverse traditional wellness systems on board in addition to their standard medical practice. Take Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for instance. One of the most popular specialties at DHTC, the principles and thinking behind this complete medical system dates back 3,000 years! “In both India and China, wellness and illness were considered opposite forces, where wellness held illness in balance. Doctors therefore realised that the focus should be on achieving harmony of mind, body and spirit as a means of preventing illness. In fact this is the origin of the ‘Ying Yang’ symbol of the sun and moon representing opposites in harmony”, explains Dr Maria Ridao Alonso, Head of TCM at DHTC. Strengthening the immune system is fundamental in this medical system. “The body consists of Qi or energy, as well as moisture and blood that circulates through bodily channels called ‘meridians’. Good health can only exist when these three flow uninhibited through the body”, she explains. The challenge the DHTC team face however is not to stem disease, or to treat the increasing numbers of patients that visit the clinic every day. It is above all to “change perceptions in terms of disease prevention by abandoning a quick-fix approach in favour of integrated holistic tactics”, explains Dr Sean Penny, Homeopath and Family Doctor. This includes embracing wholesome choices when it comes to diet, supplementation products such as vitamins, natural medication and immune strengthening as well as detoxifying treatments. He believes that the aim of DHTC should not be to merely tackle chronic ailments but to “put in place a lifestyle wellness programme that will stop disease from manifesting itself in the first place.” To this end, the DHTC has established a meticulously devised three-month package aimed at “generally healthy people who want to fine tune their overall fitness levels and slow down the aging process”, Dr Penny says. “By charting patients’ biological age with simple, rapid testing at the start of the process, we then introduce them to our comprehensive range of treatments which, if experienced in combination, work towards reducing biological age in an achievable and clearly measurable way. It is an exciting process that everyone should consider as a foundation to his or her health and vitality”, he feels. In addition to Yoga and Tai Chi lessons, a new adjacent spa facility on the cards and a comprehensive wellness programme aimed at children, things are moving fast at DHTC. Despite the growing worldwide popularity of complementary health, the staff’s biggest challenge is to “Change perceptions about what we do here. This is neither a spa nor a hospital – it is a unique facility dedicated to treatment options that embrace the entire organism in a delicate interaction between physical, mental, spiritual, genetic and environmental factors”, says Dr Acharya. “Our job is to introduce patients to the idea of combining traditional medicine with naturopathy overall in a bid to adopt a more holistic approach to wellbeing”, he explains. Excellent facilities, professional team, fair rates and top practitioners notwithstanding, ultimately challenges remain. “Sometimes, patient’s expectations are unrealistic; sometimes they expect positive results too soon. Sometimes they do not follow the proper treatment course and discouragement may set in…Managing these tendencies whilst ensuring the best possible care is a fundamental”, says Marianne Gerstner, Head Nurse,
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
2:59 AM
Page 3
Business Development Executive. With a growing patient base and reputation, in combination with Dubai’s openness towards quality and innovation in every sphere, “Our message and approach is coming across strongly – we are definitely going places”, she laughs. How does your practice promote holistic wellness and combat chronic disease?
Dr Manoj Kumar Ayurveda & Rehabilitation Medicine
Dr Travis Mitchell Chiropractic
Dr Ryan Penny Clinical Homepath, Child Care, Family Health
Dr Sean Penny Homoeopathy
Dr Maria Alonso Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Ozone Therapy
Elizabeth Crawford Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Dr Asha Rani Ayurveda & Colon Hydrotherapist
Mohammed Al Marashi Administrative Director
Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda “To promote holistic wellness in chronic conditions like joint pains, nerve, muscle and bone problems I use an integrated approach, combining Ayurveda with Rehabilitation medicine. The majority of my patients are on a number of medicines for different complaints. For example, a diabetic patient will also have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, or other complications arising from diabetes. When we approach these ailments holistically through Ayurveda, the majority of these symptoms subside. I integrate one of the oldest medical sciences in the world with the youngest specialty in modern medicine for the ultimate benefit of the patient. In people with diabetic nerve problems, the use of diagnostic tools like Foot Scanner can identify high-pressure areas, and we can prevent the development of foot ulcers, for instance. The use of Ayurvedic herbal preparations in these cases can reduce the number of allopathic drugs.” Dr. Maria Alonso, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) “TCM is a complete medical system that is ideal for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease for over 3000 years. The emphasis of the system however, is strongly focused towards prevention rather than mere cure. In the olden days if Chinese doctors lost a patient at the royal court, he would be killed in retribution. So through a sense of self preservation, practitioners devised a system based on retaining good health above all.”
detoxifier, because it stimulates the lymphatic vessels to remove excess fluid, get toxins moving along into the bloodstream, stimulate the lymph nodes, and get the bloodstream working better. In this way it is an excellent preventative measure for overall health. I often see pregnant women, because MLD can help with swollen ankles and puffiness during pregnancy. It is also excellent for any pathology that involves swelling, or ‘oedema’. This can include orthopaedic problems like broken bones, sprains and strains, or inflammation after orthopaedic surgery. It can help with osteo problems, too, like arthritis, and even soothes sinusitis - I can drain the sinuses through manipulation of the hard and soft palates on the roof of the mouth.” Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, Child Care, Family Health “We apply an advanced form of clinical Homoeopathy known as Homotoxicology. This is the study of the effects of anything that proves to be toxic to the Human body. As we know, the body is continually attempting to maintain a balance of function known otherwise as Homeostasis. Anything that may upset this balance could be termed a ‘Homotoxin’. It is our main goal to facilitate the body’s dealing with these homotoxins in such a way as to promote their most effective elimination. This process ultimately results in effective management of acute conditions, as well as reduces the risk of development of chronic disease. Once however a chronic disease has established itself, the management focuses on attempting to reverse or at least delay the progression of the disease processes. Our practice is holistic in that we address three levels of management, namely therapeutic life style change, management of the ‘terrain’ and management of the specific disease itself.” When did you first become involved in this branch of complementary medicine and why?
Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “Chiropractic doesn’t treat disease; it promotes optimal functioning of your body. The goal is to work with the muscles, joints and nervous system to achieve this. A chiropractor is similar to a motor mechanic. You take your car to a mechanic for a service and so you should visit a chiropractor for regular spinal checks and adjustments before pain occurs.”
Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “I started to experiment with TCM whilst working as an allopathic doctor in Germany. My husband, a dentist, got me interested and I soon realised TCM had a lot to offer. Unfortunately it is sometimes grossly mistaken as being only a single therapy, like acupuncture. This is not the case - there are a variety of treatment methods and herbal preparations too, which do not have the side effects of conventional drugs”.
Elizabeth Crawford, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) “MLD can aid in general well-being, as a
Dr. Asha Rani, Ayurveda “My father treats people suffering from asthma respiratory infections with fresh
170
Best of Dubai
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
3:00 AM
Page 4
herbal medicines. When they come back and report significant improvements in their health conditions, this inspired me to study Ayurveda.” Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “I have been going to the chiropractor since I was three months old, and when I was a child, every small bump or niggle, I would go to the chiropractor, not because my parents were hypochondriacs, but because they knew the value of chiropractic. My father had a massive injury and the chiropractor walked him through every stage of his recovery, and I saw what it did for him. In fact, that’s the best thing about being a chiropractor - my patients say that they’re so thankful they have me in their life, because it means someone will be there with them every step of the way.” Elizabeth Crawford, Manual Lymphatic Drainage “I qualified as a licensed practitioner of manual lymphatic drainage massage in 2001, before that I had been working as a massage therapist specialising in cancer and palliative care. I came across a lot of lymphodoema in my patients, a lot of whom had had major surgeries or had had lymph nodes removed. I decided to specialize in it, and I trained at the Vodder School in Austria, and also at a Lymphodoema Inpatient facility in Germany. Lymphodoema is my passion.” Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, Child Care, Family Health “I first became interested in Homoeopathy in 1992. I then qualified as a licensed Homoeopathic practitioner in South Africa in 1999. I was interested in being involved in a form of health care that was able to address the majority of non-surgical conditions in a way that went beyond mere symptom management. I have a respect for the advances in surgery and conventional medicine but at the same time feel that there are many conditions that can be well managed without exposing the patient to unnecessary drugs and their side effects. I believe in an integrated approach to the patient for the good of the patient. There are many good conventional medical practitioners and I believe that in order to have a genuine balance between conventional and complementary medicine, we need more practitioners on the side of the complementary that are not antagonistic towards the conventional. I chose Homotoxicology as I firmly believe that this new and advanced form of Homoeopathy is indeed a bridge between the conventional and
Best of Dubai
171
complementary for the ultimate good of the patient.” How do you rate Dubai’s development as a centre for complementary therapies? Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda “Dubai is a pivotal location place for the integration of Eastern and Western medicine, as we get different nationalities from all over the world. I am sure that in the future, DHTC will continue to be a hub for complementary medicine specialties handled with a scientific outlook -working towards a common goal: holistic patient care.” Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “Complementary therapies are accepted well in Dubai by both mainstream doctors and patients. Maybe it’s because we’re from all different parts of the world, so we each bring something different here - chiropractic, Chinese medicine etc. There a plenty of options here.” Chiropractic all though relatively unknown in Dubai is growing remarkable quickly. Many new Chiropractors are arriving because of the need in the UAE. Elizabeth Crawford, Manual Lymphatic Drainage “It’s really taking off now - when I arrived four years ago, very little was known. It’s also positive that the Ministry of Health is getting involved, so that we can standardise practices.” Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homepath, Child Care, Family Health “Dubai might well be the ideal place for a genuinely integrated medical management system to thrive. The rate at which most things generally move, along with a solid integrated facility like the DHTC, I am sure that Dubai can be an example of comprehensive and patient focussed health care.” What particular challenges do you face in developing your practice? Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ayurveda “The main challenge is to create awareness about healthy living and eating habits among the general public. Ayurveda firmly believes that ‘Man is what he eats’, but we eat a lot of food materials in different, less desirable forms: Pre- cooked, half cooked, recooked, roasted, canned, preserved, chilled, and flavoured and so on. People expect sudden recovery from chronic illness when they approach complementary practitioners. The majority of them come as a last resort just for a trial, but they want miracles. In this part of world, many people believe
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
3:01 AM
Page 5
that Ayurveda is synonymous with massage and beauty treatment. That is not the case; it represents only about five to ten per cent of the total treatment options in Ayurveda. We are trying to change that image.” Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “TCM is growing from strength to strength, and my practice reflects this increasing popularity. The TCM department has an agreement with the University of Beijing and we have doctors and professors in our team. However, bridging cultural divides can take time and breaking through as a female professional also comes with its unique challenges.” Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic “Getting people to understand chiropractic - People come to me with pain and symptoms. I hate pain and symptoms. More people should come for prevention and maintenance, and then they wouldn’t be having those pain and symptoms in the first place. It’s also a challenge to deal with different languages and cultures, explaining chiropractic to them. I also have to touch people when I’m examining them, and sometimes people here are uncomfortable with that.” Elizabeth Crawford, Manual Lymphatic Drainage “I would like to see more training courses offered here in Dubai with recognized credentials. Right now I go back to Europe
regularly - last year I went to the UK and this year I’m going to Germany, to continue to learn and develop.” Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homeopath, Child Care, Family Health “Showing people that Homoeopathy has not remained in the dark ages but has rather developed along the scientific pathway in the form of Homotoxicology is the principal challenge. The other is to show parents that many of the ways in which they are managing their children’s common ailments are not beneficial for them and that there are safer ways to achieving good health.” How should we promote a healthy lifestyle in light of the stresses and strains of modern life? Dr. Maria Alonso, TCM “Detoxification and de-stressing of the system through TCM detoxification and relaxation methods, coupled with healthy eating habits, regular exercise and learning to control mind as well as breathing through systems such as Tai Chi will definitely improve your ability to stay healthy and manage the inevitable stresses of life in a positive way.” Dr. Asha Rani, Ayurveda “In this world of eat-on-the-go, do-it-today, we can’t lead a life like a yogi or a saint. We have to lead our life with all the situations. If we follow a few things that are important for our health we can see a
172
Best of Dubai
DHTC_L1.QXP
12/9/06
3:02 AM
Page 6
change. Aspects like healthy food, sleep, and life style are basic pillars of health, as well as detoxifying the body regularly, Yoga, focusing on positive thoughts, and living in the moment.” Dr. Travis Mitchell, Chiropractic • Eat and drink correctly - Eat a balanced diet and make sure to supplement appropriately, because we don’t always get everything we need for our diets. We also have to drink enough water, especially in Dubai where it’s hot. • Adequate sleep - We should average seven to eight hours of sleep a night, preferably in decent air conditions, which isn’t always possible when it’s hot. - Exercise regularly after proper stretching. - Have a positive attitude about life. • Look after your back - maintain good posture, take care when lifting heavy things and go for regular chiropractic adjustments. Elizabeth Crawford, Manual Lymphatic Drainage “My advice would be to exercise. I don’t go in for all kinds of bizarre treatments, but for instance if I had an overweight patient I would refer them to a nutritionist. I believe in moderation most of all - everything in moderation.” Dr Ryan Penny, Clinical Homeopath, Child Care, Family Health “The irony of this question is that because of the stresses of modern life we actually need to pay more attention to our over all health in order to keep up with the demands. The truth of the matter is that, the greater the demands, the less we usually do to promote health. This often results in breakdown, and is one of the greatest contributors to the scourge that is chronic disease. I generally try to help people see this and then structure programs to help them cope with their demanding lifestyle.” Glossary - Therapies Galore Acupuncture An integral part of Oriental or TCM, it stimulates ‘acupoints’ along the bodies’ meridians or energy paths by using fine needles. Releasing endorphins, this ‘pin-prick’ methodology promotes wellbeing by harmonising and unifying imbalances present in disease conditions so as to avoid illness. Moxibustion, Acupressure and Tuina Massage As perfect health results in the free flow of energy throughout the body by 14 meridians, heat, thumb pressure and massage respectively applied to various acupoints for the
Best of Dubai
173
attainment of proper meridian flow is essential. Chinese Decoctions Equally pivotal to TCM, they may taste vile but these ancient and individualised herbal decoctions ideal for detoxification as well as treatment and disease prevention work better than many standard medications for the treatment of certain conditions. In addition, only quality herbs checked by the University of Munich are used. Colon Hydrotherapy The foundation of Naturopathy incorporates natural internal hygiene that is a painless deep cleansing method for the large intestine with free flowing water. Ideal for constipation, allergies and candida too, it removes toxins, empowers the immune system, improves digestion and skin conditions too. Ozone Therapy Otherwise known as ‘active oxygen’, this relaxing trans-dermal or intravenous, treatment detoxifies the liver, enforces the decomposition of fats like cholesterol and triglycerides, improves circulation, breaks down uric acid and improves the transport of oxygen through the blood. It’s also excellent in killing off bacteria, viruses and fungi. Beauty Therapies With the exclusive use of the high-end cosmetological product ranges, a wide array of excellent beauty treatments is available for men and women at DTHC. From Swedish, scalp and cellulite massages to expert facials, try the DHTC special: Environmental facial, one hour and 15 minutes of pamperingbliss. Unmissable. Wellness Boutique In addition to the standard in-house pharmacy, the clinic’s nutritionist, Mary Kerich manages an outlet with one of Dubai’s widest ranges of herbal supplements, body care products, essential oils, specialist books and holistic brands exclusive to DHTC - like Vital Healthfoods (essential oils), Royal Bodycare, Optimal health systems and more. • • • •
Chiropractic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Biopuncture Auyervedic Therapies
Tel.: + 9714 335 1200 www.dubaihtc.com
Al Habib Medical1_L1.qxp
12/9/06
3:26 AM
Page 1
Health & Beauty
To your health Dubai Healthcare City is bringing the world's best healthcare companies together in one location. In this quest, they have found, among many others, The Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre (HMC) which has been offering unsurpassed medical care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for over ten years. HMC's underlining philosophy is in line with the ever-changing world of health-care. Their goal is not merely to stay apace with, but to outshine the latest advances in patient care and treatment. These are the standards that the HMC are bringing to their new location in Dubai Healthcare City.
Al-Habib Medical Centre
An individual's greatest asset is their health: one might even say 'your health is your wealth.' Therefore ensuring proper medical treatment is not a luxury, but a necessity. This is where Consultant Physicians comes in. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Consultant Physicians is the result of a cooperative partnership between the leading healthcare providers of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, the Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre Group (HMC) and the American University of Beirut Medical Centre, respectively. Consultant Physicians is not just a new clinic, but a synthesis of two well established and highly respected factions of the Middle East's flourishing health community. The Consultant Physicians, however, is just one powerful arm of the Habib Group. With the founding of Dubai Healthcare City, the emirate is rapidly establishing itself as a healthcare centre capable of not only servicing the region but advancing the technology of medical treatment. Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib, chairman of HMC agrees. "Dubai is the hub for future expansion, that is why we are investing massively in infrastructure here now." Dr Habib started his career as a Paediatrician but quickly reinvented himself as a health care entrepreneur. His experience has proven to him that if the Habib Group wants to prosper, despite the increased numbers of medical facilities available in the emirate, then its employees must differentiate themselves from 'the pack' and provide a truly superior service. "This is essential in remaining competitive. We are a one-stop shop for people requiring medical attention," he explains. "Anyone coming to see us has access to the best laboratory and comprehensive imaging, as well as a team of 80 sub-specialists. We take health seriously."
174
Best of Dubai
Al Habib Medical1_L1.qxp
12/9/06
3:27 AM
Page 2
Often patients in search of expert medical treatment are unduly stressed as they are shunted from one location to the other. At his clinic, there is a modern laboratory employing only highly qualified technicians utilising the latest equipment which means test results are quickly and readily accessible. This is also the case for imaging, including x-rays, CT's, MRI's, mammograms, ultrasound and bone density analysis. "When it comes to health care services, convenience and efficiency are essential prerequisites to patient's peace of mind, and as we all know, stress can kill. This is why we aim to take away the element of worry by ensuring seamless service", Dr. Habib adds. Lofty aspirations and state-of-the-art facilities aside, ultimately it is the staff that makes the real difference. While having a team of specialists is not unheard of, the Habib Group takes this to the next level by employing 80 subspecialists. This implies rather than just having a paediatrician in-house, for example, there is a paediatric dermatologist, a paediatric endocrinologist, a paediatric gastroenterologist and so on. In this manner, patients are guaranteed the optimum and most thorough possible care. Another unique feature of Habib Group is its maintenance of a completely paperless office. From x-rays, to laboratory results, to drop notes, all records are maintained digitally. "Time stands still for no man", Dr Habib explains, "and the same is true for technology, we are constantly and tirelessly upgrading and enhancing the quality of our technological approaches in all fields to enhance efficiency, ensuring results faster and more reliably". Having gained his qualifications in the UK, where he is now registered as a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and was awarded a Diploma in Child Heath, Dr Al-Habib insists that his doctors have similar superior training and a minimum of ten years experience. Thus the Habib Group's doctors were educated in Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, as well as the American University of Beirut. Dr Al-Habib has extensive experience in the medical sector. While in Riyadh, he was Chief of Medical Staff at the University Hospital and Chief of
Best of Dubai
175
Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib
Al Habib Medical1_L1.qxp
12/9/06
3:28 AM
Page 3
Paediatricians at the American Medical International. Yet, he is more than just a doctor: he is a businessman. "Being a noted and well-respected doctor is one thing, running a high quality clinic is another", he laughs "however being successful in these different roles often requires similar skill-sets." By applying both perseverance and sincerity, he has managed these dual roles as evidenced by the success of the Dr Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is from the success of this clinic that Dr AlHabib has been able to open Consultant Physicians in partnership with the region's most respected medical school. Looking to the future, the Dr Sulaiman AlHabib Medical Centre Group has formed a partnership with Laborataire Mercel Merieux, one of the largest laboratories in Europe, as well as having established teleradiology contracts that will allow GCC hospitals to digitally forward their x-rays to the Habib Group for analysis by the expert in-house team. "We have such advanced equipment, we can do it," argues Dr AlHabib in reference to both opportunities. "We also have the basic desire to add value to our brand by joining forces with the best names worldwide so as to bring true excellence in health care to this region". An optimist-cum-medical realist whose eternal motto is 'onwards and upwards,' Dr Al-Habib is cementing his foray into Dubai Healthcare City by choosing it as the operating hub for the Habib Medical Group. "This will complement the existing centre in Riyadh and also benefits all our other operations in the area", he concludes. "When it comes to success, co-operation is another vital necessity. Any business, even a health care business, is like a living organism. All the parts should work in unison in order to strengthen the whole". Tel.:+9714 362 2999 www.aub-dubai.com
176
Best of Dubai
Al Habib Medical1_L1.qxp
Best of Dubai
177
12/9/06
3:29 AM
Page 4
Health & Beauty
Manchester Clinic2.qxp
12/28/2006
4:51 PM
Page 1
Health First
All specialized units are managed and directed by international professors, consultants and welltrained staff powered by a solid computerized recording system. Consulting services are supported by accessible connections to international institutes and foundations.
Established by Dr Nabil Mitry in 1994 as a British standard Medical facility in cooperation and accreditation with Manchester Clinics UK, Manchester Clinics-Dubai is part of this network of dynamic medical facilities that is reinforcing the Emirates position as a centre for quality medical care.
Dr. Nabil Mitry, Owner & Founder
With an international team of professors, specialists, technicians and staff working together for comprehensive quality care, the Manchester Clinics hallmark underscored by trust, care and expertise lives on. By utilising innovative procedures and treatments, as well as effective preventative care and education, this medical landmark in Dubai provides families and corporates with the most advanced treatments available locally and worldwide. Treating ailments aside, its emphasis is on promoting good health, which is not merely the absence of disease, but a positive feeling of physical and mental well-being. "The advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools available to Manchester Clinics ensure that patients attending the clinic receive the optimum treatment within modified health care programmes and are provided with continuous follow-up that includes the implementation of the highest standards of quality in medical services", explains Dr Mitry. As a result of their recognised success, this professional facility with a humane face is positioned as a market leader in the health care industry in UAE. With patients treated in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, it is the ideal establishment for meeting the health care needs of the community overall. Welcome to the Manchester Clinics specialist consulting: Urology Clinic, General Surgery Unit, Plastic Surgery Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Paediatric Unit, General Practitioners Unit and Dental Surgery Unit. The Urology Unit has the latest high-tech equipment to provide a full range of urological services within international parameters. This includes Cystoscopic Examination, Urodynamic studies, Microwave Hypothermia therapy, 3D Ultrasound examination and Laser Therapy. There is also a treatment facility for both male and female infertility, sexual dysfunction, stress incontinence and a specialised unit for treatment of paediatric urological problems and congenital anomalies. The General Surgery Unit provides a range of surgical services with the support of an advanced endoscopic and unique surgical laser facility that minimizes the risk of bleeding and scar formation, assisting the rapid healing of wounds. The unit is also equipped with a wide range of investigatory procedures for managing emergency and elective surgeries.
178
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
179
The Plastic Surgery Unit offers artistic solutions carried out by leading experts and a full range of cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, including abdominoplasty, dermolipectomy, liposuction, breast augmentation and reduction, rhinoplasty as well as face lifts. The Obstetric and Gynaecology unit guarantees the highest standards of care and advanced medical services with the latest diagnostic facilities - ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound examinations and laser therapy - for the treatment of all gynaecological disorders. Fully packaged for antenatal care, female infertility, post menopausal disorders, female hormonal disorders, contraception, laparoscopy and deliveries. The Internal Medicine unit staff applies evidenced based medical programmes for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It also provides the most accurate methodology for treatment of acute diseases and emergency cases supported by computerised diagnostic results. The Manchester Clinic paediatric services are both child and family oriented, supporting the management and treatment through education, preventive medicine approaches and family advice to develop children's health. Services include general paediatric, neonate and premature baby care, paediatric endoscopies in addition to vaccination and immunization. The General Practitioner Service offers basic care and first aid, emergency services, follow-up and referral as well as executive health checks. While the Dental Surgery Unit boasts up-to-date hygienic sterilisation equipment and panoramic xray facilities for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and dental hygiene. All Manchester Clinic services are complemented by integrated diagnostics and laboratory facilities, comprising ten specialised units, including haematology, biochemistry, serology, microbiology and parasitology, all under the supervision of Gordon Laboratory, UK. "Within Manchester Clinics all our services are imparted only after a thorough evaluation of the patients' current health status with analysis of their medical histories. Offering the appropriate cure can only come after appropriate due diligence", Dr Mitry concludes. Tel.:+9714 344 0300 www.manchester-clinic.com
Health & Beauty
Manchester Clinic2.qxp
12/28/2006
4:51 PM
Page 1
Health First
All specialized units are managed and directed by international professors, consultants and welltrained staff powered by a solid computerized recording system. Consulting services are supported by accessible connections to international institutes and foundations.
Established by Dr Nabil Mitry in 1994 as a British standard Medical facility in cooperation and accreditation with Manchester Clinics UK, Manchester Clinics-Dubai is part of this network of dynamic medical facilities that is reinforcing the Emirates position as a centre for quality medical care.
Dr. Nabil Mitry, Owner & Founder
With an international team of professors, specialists, technicians and staff working together for comprehensive quality care, the Manchester Clinics hallmark underscored by trust, care and expertise lives on. By utilising innovative procedures and treatments, as well as effective preventative care and education, this medical landmark in Dubai provides families and corporates with the most advanced treatments available locally and worldwide. Treating ailments aside, its emphasis is on promoting good health, which is not merely the absence of disease, but a positive feeling of physical and mental well-being. "The advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools available to Manchester Clinics ensure that patients attending the clinic receive the optimum treatment within modified health care programmes and are provided with continuous follow-up that includes the implementation of the highest standards of quality in medical services", explains Dr Mitry. As a result of their recognised success, this professional facility with a humane face is positioned as a market leader in the health care industry in UAE. With patients treated in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, it is the ideal establishment for meeting the health care needs of the community overall. Welcome to the Manchester Clinics specialist consulting: Urology Clinic, General Surgery Unit, Plastic Surgery Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Paediatric Unit, General Practitioners Unit and Dental Surgery Unit. The Urology Unit has the latest high-tech equipment to provide a full range of urological services within international parameters. This includes Cystoscopic Examination, Urodynamic studies, Microwave Hypothermia therapy, 3D Ultrasound examination and Laser Therapy. There is also a treatment facility for both male and female infertility, sexual dysfunction, stress incontinence and a specialised unit for treatment of paediatric urological problems and congenital anomalies. The General Surgery Unit provides a range of surgical services with the support of an advanced endoscopic and unique surgical laser facility that minimizes the risk of bleeding and scar formation, assisting the rapid healing of wounds. The unit is also equipped with a wide range of investigatory procedures for managing emergency and elective surgeries.
178
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
179
The Plastic Surgery Unit offers artistic solutions carried out by leading experts and a full range of cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, including abdominoplasty, dermolipectomy, liposuction, breast augmentation and reduction, rhinoplasty as well as face lifts. The Obstetric and Gynaecology unit guarantees the highest standards of care and advanced medical services with the latest diagnostic facilities - ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound examinations and laser therapy - for the treatment of all gynaecological disorders. Fully packaged for antenatal care, female infertility, post menopausal disorders, female hormonal disorders, contraception, laparoscopy and deliveries. The Internal Medicine unit staff applies evidenced based medical programmes for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It also provides the most accurate methodology for treatment of acute diseases and emergency cases supported by computerised diagnostic results. The Manchester Clinic paediatric services are both child and family oriented, supporting the management and treatment through education, preventive medicine approaches and family advice to develop children's health. Services include general paediatric, neonate and premature baby care, paediatric endoscopies in addition to vaccination and immunization. The General Practitioner Service offers basic care and first aid, emergency services, follow-up and referral as well as executive health checks. While the Dental Surgery Unit boasts up-to-date hygienic sterilisation equipment and panoramic xray facilities for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and dental hygiene. All Manchester Clinic services are complemented by integrated diagnostics and laboratory facilities, comprising ten specialised units, including haematology, biochemistry, serology, microbiology and parasitology, all under the supervision of Gordon Laboratory, UK. "Within Manchester Clinics all our services are imparted only after a thorough evaluation of the patients' current health status with analysis of their medical histories. Offering the appropriate cure can only come after appropriate due diligence", Dr Mitry concludes. Tel.:+9714 344 0300 www.manchester-clinic.com
Health & Beauty
Integrated Medicine – the way forward
Plastic Surgery Works
The healing process is as important as the technology itself and compassionate medical care has been the formula of our success, says Dr Rajkumar, Medical Director and Specialist Physician of Unicare.
On the cutting edge of Aesthetic Surgery, Dr Sanjay Parashar uses innovative technology and skilled artistry to create the desired results.
Dr. Parashar
Dr. Rajkumar
Dr. Rajkumar, is a specialist in Internal Medicine who trained in India and the UK, set up his practice in 1995 with the help of his Paediatrician wife, Samitha. The dynamic couple soon realised that their partnership with the community could be further enhanced by providing even more services under one roof. This led to setting up a multi-specialty medical centre in 1998, next to Burjuman centre. UniCare currently has nine specialties and also has under its group BioSytech Medical Laboratory, a referral centre used by other centres as well for special tests. “Easy access to the referral laboratory and in house radiology, physiotherapy and minor surgical facilities, provide our patients with more efficient treatment times”, says Dr. Rajkumar. From Orthopedics to Orthodontics, minor surgery to advanced plastic surgery, UniCare offers a wide range of services. The UniCare team provides services in Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Genecology, General Surgery, General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Diabetes clinics providing comprehensive diabetes care, wellness programs, health checks for different lifestyles and life stages. Aeromedical examinations for pilots are also available at UniCare. Patients at UniCare can expect the same level of care as in a hospital outpatient department, but in a primary care setting. This means less waiting
times for appointments and continuity of care with familiar doctors. “This helps families to form a long term relationship with UniCare, which further enhances the quality of care they receive”, explains Dr. Rajkumar. He explains, “Being aware of the growing demand for alternative healthcare solutions, we are moving into a new state-of-the-art facility in 2007 which will include a large range of alternative therapies, as well as specialised allopathic services. “Integrated medicine which incorporates the many strengths of alternative medicine is the way forward, this will give each individual the choice in the mode of treatment and take responsibility for their well-being. In addition to serving as a point of delivering curative services to the community this centre will play a proactive role in promoting health and wellness in the community, truly a long term partnership with our community in Dubai”. But despite providing a cutting-edge service, cost effectiveness is also central to the centre’s philosophy, which is no easy task in a climate where expenses seem to rise daily. However, the UniCare team strives to provide the best quality healthcare for the most reasonable price as part of their ‘Your Partner in Healthcare’ mantra. Tel.: +9714 352 9292 www.unicaredubai.com Email:
[email protected]
180
Best of Dubai
With 15 years surgical experience from India, Australia to the US; fine-tuning his skills by working alongside the cream of the industry, it is no wonder that Dr Parashar’s clientele list is as diverse as his experience. Numerous nationalities of different backgrounds turn to him for his expertise in Plastic and Reconstructive as well as Aesthetic Surgery, colloquially referred to as Cosmetic Surgery. Operating within UniCare, Dr Parashar’s division is independent. This maximises patient confidentiality and most procedures are undertaken at Dubai’s International Modern Hospital, although he has affiliations with other hospitals including Welcare Hospital, Jebel Ali Hospital and Belhoul Speciality Hospital. “Patients have the choice where to be cared for, based on preferential, geographical or financial reasons”, Dr Parashar explains. Motivated by success stories and multidisciplinary options, he works closely with Nutritionists and Fitness Centres. “Sometimes, surgery should be the final option – prevention
Best of Dubai
181
is always better than cure”. On some levels he considers himself a counsellor providing his patients with emotional support, which he believes to be equally important as the medical process itself. In Dr. Parashar’s opinion the greatest development worldwide in the field of Plastic Surgery is ‘Audience understanding’. Thanks to greater media awareness and publicity, once restricted only to the medical profession, patients are now far more knowledgeable and discerning. “Prospective patients know what they want and what they need. It makes the consultation process less time consuming all round”, he explains. “Trust is essential in this field. This is mutual and can only be achieved through honest communication between Patient and Doctor. This is almost as important as adopting new trends and techniques, as the only way to ensure success is to truly understand what your patient is hoping for and for doctors to manage their expectations.” Not only is Dubai on overdrive, it
encapsulates a culture of speed, consumerism and youthfulness. This has increased demand for ‘minimally invasive procedures’ and Dr Parashar has introduced many to his wealthy menu of medical solutions. These procedures ranging from mini face lift, neck lift to minimal incision breast lift and mini tummy tuck allow them to return to real life quickly, causing minimal disruption. Dr Parashar has also introduced ‘twilight anaesthesia’ to his repertoire, which is minimally invasive and less risky, and is highly recommended for its cost and convenience benefits. Most importantly it benefits the surgeons’ ability to assess immediate outcomes, enhancing optimum results. So-called ‘body contouring’ is currently the rage. These procedures including liposculpturing to remove unaesthetic bulges, fat transfer for contouring and breast enlargement come under the aesthetic surgery umbrella and are usually the choice for those looking to restore, maintain or enhance their appearance. Dr Parashar is a certified plastic surgeon with basic training in India and fellowship training in Australia (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) & USA (Fellowship of International College of Surgeons), training in the fields of microvascular, craniofacial, laser and aesthetic surgery. The Department of Health & Medical Sciences, Dubai Plastic Surgery Society of Emirates Medical Association govern his practice. A native of India with 7 years working experience in the Gulf, he has published extensively, including ‘Annals of Plastic Surgery’ and ‘Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’ . Tel.: +9714 352 9292
[email protected] www.surgerydubai.com
Health & Beauty
Integrated Medicine – the way forward
Plastic Surgery Works
The healing process is as important as the technology itself and compassionate medical care has been the formula of our success, says Dr Rajkumar, Medical Director and Specialist Physician of Unicare.
On the cutting edge of Aesthetic Surgery, Dr Sanjay Parashar uses innovative technology and skilled artistry to create the desired results.
Dr. Parashar
Dr. Rajkumar
Dr. Rajkumar, is a specialist in Internal Medicine who trained in India and the UK, set up his practice in 1995 with the help of his Paediatrician wife, Samitha. The dynamic couple soon realised that their partnership with the community could be further enhanced by providing even more services under one roof. This led to setting up a multi-specialty medical centre in 1998, next to Burjuman centre. UniCare currently has nine specialties and also has under its group BioSytech Medical Laboratory, a referral centre used by other centres as well for special tests. “Easy access to the referral laboratory and in house radiology, physiotherapy and minor surgical facilities, provide our patients with more efficient treatment times”, says Dr. Rajkumar. From Orthopedics to Orthodontics, minor surgery to advanced plastic surgery, UniCare offers a wide range of services. The UniCare team provides services in Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Genecology, General Surgery, General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Diabetes clinics providing comprehensive diabetes care, wellness programs, health checks for different lifestyles and life stages. Aeromedical examinations for pilots are also available at UniCare. Patients at UniCare can expect the same level of care as in a hospital outpatient department, but in a primary care setting. This means less waiting
times for appointments and continuity of care with familiar doctors. “This helps families to form a long term relationship with UniCare, which further enhances the quality of care they receive”, explains Dr. Rajkumar. He explains, “Being aware of the growing demand for alternative healthcare solutions, we are moving into a new state-of-the-art facility in 2007 which will include a large range of alternative therapies, as well as specialised allopathic services. “Integrated medicine which incorporates the many strengths of alternative medicine is the way forward, this will give each individual the choice in the mode of treatment and take responsibility for their well-being. In addition to serving as a point of delivering curative services to the community this centre will play a proactive role in promoting health and wellness in the community, truly a long term partnership with our community in Dubai”. But despite providing a cutting-edge service, cost effectiveness is also central to the centre’s philosophy, which is no easy task in a climate where expenses seem to rise daily. However, the UniCare team strives to provide the best quality healthcare for the most reasonable price as part of their ‘Your Partner in Healthcare’ mantra. Tel.: +9714 352 9292 www.unicaredubai.com Email:
[email protected]
180
Best of Dubai
With 15 years surgical experience from India, Australia to the US; fine-tuning his skills by working alongside the cream of the industry, it is no wonder that Dr Parashar’s clientele list is as diverse as his experience. Numerous nationalities of different backgrounds turn to him for his expertise in Plastic and Reconstructive as well as Aesthetic Surgery, colloquially referred to as Cosmetic Surgery. Operating within UniCare, Dr Parashar’s division is independent. This maximises patient confidentiality and most procedures are undertaken at Dubai’s International Modern Hospital, although he has affiliations with other hospitals including Welcare Hospital, Jebel Ali Hospital and Belhoul Speciality Hospital. “Patients have the choice where to be cared for, based on preferential, geographical or financial reasons”, Dr Parashar explains. Motivated by success stories and multidisciplinary options, he works closely with Nutritionists and Fitness Centres. “Sometimes, surgery should be the final option – prevention
Best of Dubai
181
is always better than cure”. On some levels he considers himself a counsellor providing his patients with emotional support, which he believes to be equally important as the medical process itself. In Dr. Parashar’s opinion the greatest development worldwide in the field of Plastic Surgery is ‘Audience understanding’. Thanks to greater media awareness and publicity, once restricted only to the medical profession, patients are now far more knowledgeable and discerning. “Prospective patients know what they want and what they need. It makes the consultation process less time consuming all round”, he explains. “Trust is essential in this field. This is mutual and can only be achieved through honest communication between Patient and Doctor. This is almost as important as adopting new trends and techniques, as the only way to ensure success is to truly understand what your patient is hoping for and for doctors to manage their expectations.” Not only is Dubai on overdrive, it
encapsulates a culture of speed, consumerism and youthfulness. This has increased demand for ‘minimally invasive procedures’ and Dr Parashar has introduced many to his wealthy menu of medical solutions. These procedures ranging from mini face lift, neck lift to minimal incision breast lift and mini tummy tuck allow them to return to real life quickly, causing minimal disruption. Dr Parashar has also introduced ‘twilight anaesthesia’ to his repertoire, which is minimally invasive and less risky, and is highly recommended for its cost and convenience benefits. Most importantly it benefits the surgeons’ ability to assess immediate outcomes, enhancing optimum results. So-called ‘body contouring’ is currently the rage. These procedures including liposculpturing to remove unaesthetic bulges, fat transfer for contouring and breast enlargement come under the aesthetic surgery umbrella and are usually the choice for those looking to restore, maintain or enhance their appearance. Dr Parashar is a certified plastic surgeon with basic training in India and fellowship training in Australia (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) & USA (Fellowship of International College of Surgeons), training in the fields of microvascular, craniofacial, laser and aesthetic surgery. The Department of Health & Medical Sciences, Dubai Plastic Surgery Society of Emirates Medical Association govern his practice. A native of India with 7 years working experience in the Gulf, he has published extensively, including ‘Annals of Plastic Surgery’ and ‘Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’ . Tel.: +9714 352 9292
[email protected] www.surgerydubai.com
Health & Beauty
Talass 2.qxp
1/2/2007
10:09 AM
Page 1
Smile Forever Dubai is building an increasingly strong infrastructure in health services, and quality dental care is no exception. Families residing in this rapidly expanding emirate no longer need to go 'back home' for their elective dental procedures. Now they have the ideal choice right here, on their doorstep in Dubai.
Do You Like My Smile ? Dr. L. S. Talass, DDS, Dip. Ortho. Orthodontist
Dr. M. F. Talass, DDS, MSc. PhD. Orthodontist
Choosing the best team of dedicated dental specialists that take pride in impeccable patient care is the only way to go if perfection in dentistry is what you are after. When it comes to treating the full range of dental needs at this level, 'Talass' is a name that shines out from the rest. Despite the proliferation of dental surgeries of every type and positioning, their 13-year superb track record, excellent reputation, cutting-edge technology, highly experienced and Western-educated team of experts and supporting staff guarantee you a winning smile. Among the leading orthodontic and dental centres in Dubai, ‘Talass’ has a full range of services, including: complimentary consultation, airflow cleaning, plasma toothwhitening, cosmetic fillings, ceramic veneers, crown and bridge work, invisible braces, dental implants, maxillo-facial surgery, TM joint treatment, root canal treatment and family & child dentistry. In addition, if ambience is vital in alleviating all the possible stress traditionally associated with a standard visit to the dentist, you can pamper yourself by stepping through the door
of their traditional Japanese Dental Spa. This little Zen-designed sanctuary unfolds before your eyes offering care and expert dedication in the most serene ambiance. Some of their finest services can be provided in the tranquility of this Spa, including your regular dental cleaning and your painless and harmless plasma tooth whitening. With the concept of convenience and prevention as fundamental themes of the ‘Talass’ message, their tailor-made 'Quality Dental Program' allows you, your family and corporate members to benefit from these premium dental services for as little as Dhs 900 annually. Located in the heart of Dubai, on the Jumeirah Beach Road, just minutes from the world-famous Burj Al Arab, ‘Talass’ is the place for those in search of premium dental services. In this ever-expanding city where increasingly discerning patient expectations are pushing up the levels of quality and convenience, here is a name that delivers a smile…forever. Tel.: +9714 349 2220 www.talass.com
182
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
183
Health & Beauty
Talass 2.qxp
1/2/2007
10:09 AM
Page 1
Smile Forever Dubai is building an increasingly strong infrastructure in health services, and quality dental care is no exception. Families residing in this rapidly expanding emirate no longer need to go 'back home' for their elective dental procedures. Now they have the ideal choice right here, on their doorstep in Dubai.
Do You Like My Smile ? Dr. L. S. Talass, DDS, Dip. Ortho. Orthodontist
Dr. M. F. Talass, DDS, MSc. PhD. Orthodontist
Choosing the best team of dedicated dental specialists that take pride in impeccable patient care is the only way to go if perfection in dentistry is what you are after. When it comes to treating the full range of dental needs at this level, 'Talass' is a name that shines out from the rest. Despite the proliferation of dental surgeries of every type and positioning, their 13-year superb track record, excellent reputation, cutting-edge technology, highly experienced and Western-educated team of experts and supporting staff guarantee you a winning smile. Among the leading orthodontic and dental centres in Dubai, ‘Talass’ has a full range of services, including: complimentary consultation, airflow cleaning, plasma toothwhitening, cosmetic fillings, ceramic veneers, crown and bridge work, invisible braces, dental implants, maxillo-facial surgery, TM joint treatment, root canal treatment and family & child dentistry. In addition, if ambience is vital in alleviating all the possible stress traditionally associated with a standard visit to the dentist, you can pamper yourself by stepping through the door
of their traditional Japanese Dental Spa. This little Zen-designed sanctuary unfolds before your eyes offering care and expert dedication in the most serene ambiance. Some of their finest services can be provided in the tranquility of this Spa, including your regular dental cleaning and your painless and harmless plasma tooth whitening. With the concept of convenience and prevention as fundamental themes of the ‘Talass’ message, their tailor-made 'Quality Dental Program' allows you, your family and corporate members to benefit from these premium dental services for as little as Dhs 900 annually. Located in the heart of Dubai, on the Jumeirah Beach Road, just minutes from the world-famous Burj Al Arab, ‘Talass’ is the place for those in search of premium dental services. In this ever-expanding city where increasingly discerning patient expectations are pushing up the levels of quality and convenience, here is a name that delivers a smile…forever. Tel.: +9714 349 2220 www.talass.com
182
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
183
Health & Beauty
One-stop beauty made real Shirin Abdulrazak, the founder of Sisters Beauty Lounge in Jumeirah's Village Mall - soon to open up a second salon in Dubai Mall - laughs when she says, “women are constantly in need of maintenance with so many wonderful friends and female family members I had all the inspiration that I needed.” Claiming to be a novel concept that puts the customer first may sound clichéd', but if you look at the unique range of convenient services and products available, then Sisters is truly different. "When I started, the piecemeal approach prevalent in beauty services was frustrating. Women, who usually have to juggle myriad tasks every moment of every day, were forced to get their nails done in one place, their waxing in another and their hair in another in order to get the best results from each procedure. I felt this was totally impractical and I asked myself how it could all be done better and all under one roof ? " The answer came in 2003 when she launched her first branch. Feminine with subtle ivory hue décor, the beauty lounge is set in an uncluttered environment peppered with elegant little multi-function workstations, where two or even three therapists can minister to your beauty maintenance whilst you happily sip tea, work on your laptop thanks to in-store broadband facilities, chat on the phone or even have an informal meeting. I did all of the above whilst having an exquisite French manicure, pedicure and roots done simultaneously. Despite the noisy activity here, Sisters boasts soothing treatment rooms in an utterly relaxing oasis of calm. Clearly, multitasking comes to women naturally, as does getting the best deal with relentless discernment. In this sense Shirin has got her service and product mix just right. Her growing base of clients is also especially dependable thanks to a nifty
184
Best of Dubai
Shirin believes that results come by empowering a professional workforce. “Sisters’ success is a tribute to their efforts and enthusiasm. The team’s achievements make Sisters what it is today”
loyalty programme that Sisters has initiated in tandem with an associated outlet under the same corporate umbrella - Candella. "We are grateful for the response from clients. In many ways they are allowing me to hone my skills as an entrepreneur in a competitive service industry - that is a challenge I love", she explains. Even though a successful business is not new to this Emirati national of distinguished Iranian background, Shirin winner of Emirates Woman Entrepreneur of the year 2005, a fashion designer by profession, founded and managed a wellknown uniform manufacturing unit for 18 years until it was profitably sold. Shirin also co-owns the Bombay and Zone outlets in the UAE. Apart from the salon services, great location, fab team and all the rest, what is it that truly sets Sisters apart? For a start nobody does eyelash extension this side of the Suez Canal, let alone in Dubai. Within a painless two-hour stint, the salon's eyelash supremos, make even the skimpiest of lashes thicker and longer through the dexterous application of an individual synthetic eyelash directly onto your own eyelash one by one - with a specially formulated bonding agent. I have tried them, I love them and I want my fluttery new oh so long lashes forever. You can swim and cry with ease - as long as you don't pick at them, they only need re-bonding every fortnight. Another unique feature in this salon that is more akin to a ladies lounge has to be the Sisters' Youngblood make-up range. "As the beauty industry moves towards wellness trends, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is the way to go", says Shirin, the exclusive Dubai agent for this US product range. Made from natural pigments instead of petroleum dyes, they are high performance, water resistant and non-comedogenic. In addition, the numerous skin tone shades provide essential sun-protective properties with less shimmer but a healthy glow and flawless finish that make any girl look as pretty as a picture. I saw, I tried, and I loved. It is so good I actually slept in it Need I say more? This is where sisters meet and maintain themselves. Don't take my word for it. Go to Sisters and try out this boudoir of beauty for yourself. Tel + 971 4 342 0787 www.sistersbeautylounge.com
Best of Dubai
185
Health & Beauty
One-stop beauty made real Shirin Abdulrazak, the founder of Sisters Beauty Lounge in Jumeirah's Village Mall - soon to open up a second salon in Dubai Mall - laughs when she says, “women are constantly in need of maintenance with so many wonderful friends and female family members I had all the inspiration that I needed.” Claiming to be a novel concept that puts the customer first may sound clichéd', but if you look at the unique range of convenient services and products available, then Sisters is truly different. "When I started, the piecemeal approach prevalent in beauty services was frustrating. Women, who usually have to juggle myriad tasks every moment of every day, were forced to get their nails done in one place, their waxing in another and their hair in another in order to get the best results from each procedure. I felt this was totally impractical and I asked myself how it could all be done better and all under one roof ? " The answer came in 2003 when she launched her first branch. Feminine with subtle ivory hue décor, the beauty lounge is set in an uncluttered environment peppered with elegant little multi-function workstations, where two or even three therapists can minister to your beauty maintenance whilst you happily sip tea, work on your laptop thanks to in-store broadband facilities, chat on the phone or even have an informal meeting. I did all of the above whilst having an exquisite French manicure, pedicure and roots done simultaneously. Despite the noisy activity here, Sisters boasts soothing treatment rooms in an utterly relaxing oasis of calm. Clearly, multitasking comes to women naturally, as does getting the best deal with relentless discernment. In this sense Shirin has got her service and product mix just right. Her growing base of clients is also especially dependable thanks to a nifty
184
Best of Dubai
Shirin believes that results come by empowering a professional workforce. “Sisters’ success is a tribute to their efforts and enthusiasm. The team’s achievements make Sisters what it is today”
loyalty programme that Sisters has initiated in tandem with an associated outlet under the same corporate umbrella - Candella. "We are grateful for the response from clients. In many ways they are allowing me to hone my skills as an entrepreneur in a competitive service industry - that is a challenge I love", she explains. Even though a successful business is not new to this Emirati national of distinguished Iranian background, Shirin winner of Emirates Woman Entrepreneur of the year 2005, a fashion designer by profession, founded and managed a wellknown uniform manufacturing unit for 18 years until it was profitably sold. Shirin also co-owns the Bombay and Zone outlets in the UAE. Apart from the salon services, great location, fab team and all the rest, what is it that truly sets Sisters apart? For a start nobody does eyelash extension this side of the Suez Canal, let alone in Dubai. Within a painless two-hour stint, the salon's eyelash supremos, make even the skimpiest of lashes thicker and longer through the dexterous application of an individual synthetic eyelash directly onto your own eyelash one by one - with a specially formulated bonding agent. I have tried them, I love them and I want my fluttery new oh so long lashes forever. You can swim and cry with ease - as long as you don't pick at them, they only need re-bonding every fortnight. Another unique feature in this salon that is more akin to a ladies lounge has to be the Sisters' Youngblood make-up range. "As the beauty industry moves towards wellness trends, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is the way to go", says Shirin, the exclusive Dubai agent for this US product range. Made from natural pigments instead of petroleum dyes, they are high performance, water resistant and non-comedogenic. In addition, the numerous skin tone shades provide essential sun-protective properties with less shimmer but a healthy glow and flawless finish that make any girl look as pretty as a picture. I saw, I tried, and I loved. It is so good I actually slept in it Need I say more? This is where sisters meet and maintain themselves. Don't take my word for it. Go to Sisters and try out this boudoir of beauty for yourself. Tel + 971 4 342 0787 www.sistersbeautylounge.com
Best of Dubai
185
Health & Beauty
Frank Provast_L1.qxp
12/9/06
4:49 AM
Page 1
Making Waves French hairstyling virtuoso, Franck Provost, started his career with a small salon outside Paris 25 years ago. Since then his celebrity status has grown in tandem with the scale of his franchise operation. With thousands of salons worldwide, today Franck Provost is not only a household name in France. With his three outlets in Dubai, he looks to become one here as well.
186
Best of Dubai
Frank Provast_L1.qxp
12/9/06
4:50 AM
Page 2
Those looking for a simple trim and blow dry beware. Franck Provost is no ordinary salon. Anyone looking for a total revamp can come in and indulge themselves without restraint. Even though customers generally look good when they walk in, the fab in-house team ensures that they look stunning when they walk out. The aim is to dare for a new look.. The preferred hairstylist of Queen Rania of Jordan, Sharon Stone and Iman Bowie, Franck Provost has sprinkled a little glamour and gold dust onto all his salons in Dubai by choosing optimally plush locations and a tailor-made service to match - in keeping with his star-studded image. With salons at Burj Al Arab, Mall of the Emirates and the Convention Centre, a relaxed and serene atmosphere pervades. Working with hair is an art, so peace is conducive to the creation of a beautiful hairstyle. Fancy Curls Testimonial Claiming to match a new hair do with one's personality, I wondered what kind of zany style would suit my stressed-out, time starved and utterly dysfunctional self. I should not have worried. Whilst I went in looking frizzy and unkempt, with shoulder-length curls twisted around a tight scrunchie knot, I came out looking sleek, poised and staggeringly glamorous. Soft, silken tresses were achieved thanks to the leave-in hair packs that nourished my coloured hair and enveloped the shafts with a rich, protective coating. The 'glamour gal' look was ultimately sealed with the blow dry of the decade. Give me a strong grip and a firm wrist any day, my dedicated hairdresser at the flagship Mall of the Emirates branch teased, eased and fashioned my look to resemble a re-invented Farah Fawcett look, similar to the cool flicked-back look currently being sported by Madonna. With top Kerastase products, in addition to a bevy of experienced staff who have the ability to take a hair style to another level, is what makes their salons special. "So true", I thought to myself as I sauntered out looking great and feeling even better, "this is a hairstyle and a half". Tel.: +9714 304 6444 www.franckprovost-dubai.com
Best of Dubai
187
Health & Beauty
splendour1.qxp
1/2/2007
10:08 AM
Page 1
Makeover Marvels Dubai’s current tryst with beauty would be lacking if it did not include Malini Ohri. A well known name in Dubai in the field of cosmetology, she is a UK trained health and beauty therapist, make-up artist, Reiki master and aromatherapist with over 30 years of multi-facetted experience in these fields.
Splendour Supremo, Malini
With a hands-on approach to beauty therapy and image management overall, she is the founder of Splendour, one of the Emirate’s salons that stands out when it comes to skin care, makeup and slimming treatments. With an exclusive weekly column in top newspapers and numerous TV and radio appearances, she has elevated beauty and wellness to an art she shares with all. As make-up is a vast field, Malini has managed to spread her expertise across this area catering to all types of faces and events. At the forefront of Dubai’s advertising and entertainment industry- she highlights model’s faces for photo shoots, ramp modelling, music videos, movies and commercials too. “I also share the excitement and anxiety of a bride, by creating magic on her face, a few hours before the wedding”, she says. Malini explains that “make-up should not take away from the brides’ identity. It should enhance her beauty and features, not change them.” She says that too often a brides’ make-up is so overdone that she ends up looking like the wedding cake. Her in-house makeup team apply the same principles when it comes also to party and casual make-up. New colour fashion shades aside, innovation is the key to success. In this regard, Malini has introduced “airbrush” make-up to women in Dubai. This cutting-edge technique is a fast growing phenomenon in the beauty industry that allows the creation of a flawless, almost natural look. It can be applied heavily, for party or modelling make-up, or is ideal for a “barely there” look too. In addition, “Airbrushing can also be used to make temporary tattoos and to create fantasy looks. The sky is the limit”, she explains. At her boutique salon, Splendour, you can receive a complete make over and can pick up tips and tricks on health and beauty whilst you are at it. Make-up classes are also offered, and you can choose what kind of make-up application you want to learn about, as well as the length and depth of your make-up education. “There is more to a woman’s appeal than slapping on lipstick, whacking on blusher and hoping for the best. Make-up is an expert craft that needs to be learnt. And with our range of exclusive products and experience, we can make any face radiate its best features.” Depending on what you want, Splendour will cater to your needs. Housing a down to earth and efficient staff, she connects with her clients in a reassuring, honest, no-nonsense manner. Only once you are sure
about what you want, will the Splendour team go ahead with the treatments. After all, we all know how intimidating a new beauty treatment or a make over can be. Splendour offers a diverse range of treatments. With Malini’s experience of having been a trained Swedish masseuse, you can be sure to receive a range of professional massages options that range from the leisurely to hard-core therapeutic. With a physiotherapist on board, care and attention is elevated to high levels. Her facials also encompass the latest techniques. These include, micro derma abrasion, glycolic peels, face lifting and oxygen facials. Slimming treatments, non surgical face lifts and diet consultations are available on request. “If you want to get rid of all the unwanted toxins in your body - the foot detox should do the trick”, Malini explains. And from a simple hair cut and blow dry to an elaborate up doSplendour is there for you. Moreover ,treatments at Splendour are at affordable prices. According to Malini, “my clients shouldn’t have to pay for the Picassos on the wall. It is the treatments and the services that they take home.” So you can go treat yourself to a day of best of the line make-up and pampering, without burning a hole in your pocket and feeling guilty in the process. Make up and beauty care is all about fun. Our job is to make your experience a pleasurable one that leaves you looking good, but above all, feeling even better”. With another parlour in the pipeline, Malini, along with her team of in-house professionals is set on making Dubai a little more splendid. Tel.: +9714 398 9336 www.splendourbeauty.com
188
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
189
Health & Beauty
splendour1.qxp
1/2/2007
10:08 AM
Page 1
Makeover Marvels Dubai’s current tryst with beauty would be lacking if it did not include Malini Ohri. A well known name in Dubai in the field of cosmetology, she is a UK trained health and beauty therapist, make-up artist, Reiki master and aromatherapist with over 30 years of multi-facetted experience in these fields.
Splendour Supremo, Malini
With a hands-on approach to beauty therapy and image management overall, she is the founder of Splendour, one of the Emirate’s salons that stands out when it comes to skin care, makeup and slimming treatments. With an exclusive weekly column in top newspapers and numerous TV and radio appearances, she has elevated beauty and wellness to an art she shares with all. As make-up is a vast field, Malini has managed to spread her expertise across this area catering to all types of faces and events. At the forefront of Dubai’s advertising and entertainment industry- she highlights model’s faces for photo shoots, ramp modelling, music videos, movies and commercials too. “I also share the excitement and anxiety of a bride, by creating magic on her face, a few hours before the wedding”, she says. Malini explains that “make-up should not take away from the brides’ identity. It should enhance her beauty and features, not change them.” She says that too often a brides’ make-up is so overdone that she ends up looking like the wedding cake. Her in-house makeup team apply the same principles when it comes also to party and casual make-up. New colour fashion shades aside, innovation is the key to success. In this regard, Malini has introduced “airbrush” make-up to women in Dubai. This cutting-edge technique is a fast growing phenomenon in the beauty industry that allows the creation of a flawless, almost natural look. It can be applied heavily, for party or modelling make-up, or is ideal for a “barely there” look too. In addition, “Airbrushing can also be used to make temporary tattoos and to create fantasy looks. The sky is the limit”, she explains. At her boutique salon, Splendour, you can receive a complete make over and can pick up tips and tricks on health and beauty whilst you are at it. Make-up classes are also offered, and you can choose what kind of make-up application you want to learn about, as well as the length and depth of your make-up education. “There is more to a woman’s appeal than slapping on lipstick, whacking on blusher and hoping for the best. Make-up is an expert craft that needs to be learnt. And with our range of exclusive products and experience, we can make any face radiate its best features.” Depending on what you want, Splendour will cater to your needs. Housing a down to earth and efficient staff, she connects with her clients in a reassuring, honest, no-nonsense manner. Only once you are sure
about what you want, will the Splendour team go ahead with the treatments. After all, we all know how intimidating a new beauty treatment or a make over can be. Splendour offers a diverse range of treatments. With Malini’s experience of having been a trained Swedish masseuse, you can be sure to receive a range of professional massages options that range from the leisurely to hard-core therapeutic. With a physiotherapist on board, care and attention is elevated to high levels. Her facials also encompass the latest techniques. These include, micro derma abrasion, glycolic peels, face lifting and oxygen facials. Slimming treatments, non surgical face lifts and diet consultations are available on request. “If you want to get rid of all the unwanted toxins in your body - the foot detox should do the trick”, Malini explains. And from a simple hair cut and blow dry to an elaborate up doSplendour is there for you. Moreover ,treatments at Splendour are at affordable prices. According to Malini, “my clients shouldn’t have to pay for the Picassos on the wall. It is the treatments and the services that they take home.” So you can go treat yourself to a day of best of the line make-up and pampering, without burning a hole in your pocket and feeling guilty in the process. Make up and beauty care is all about fun. Our job is to make your experience a pleasurable one that leaves you looking good, but above all, feeling even better”. With another parlour in the pipeline, Malini, along with her team of in-house professionals is set on making Dubai a little more splendid. Tel.: +9714 398 9336 www.splendourbeauty.com
188
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
189
Health & Beauty
BareSalon_L1.qxp
12/9/06
4:59 AM
Page 1
Baré Necessities Male grooming is booming across Dubai and Baré Salon is leading the charge with masculine-focused outlets springing up across the city.
With Bare Salons opening new stores on a yearly basis, the brand's profile is growing rapidly in the city - there's probably one on your own street corner. The salons, located in Mazaya Centre, Ibn Battuta, Springs and Emaar Tower in Deira, are spread evenly across Dubai and easily accessible by all clientele.
190
Best of Dubai
BareSalon_L1.qxp
12/9/06
5:00 AM
Page 2
Baré Muafak Ghazal
Baré Salon at Ibn Battuta
Best of Dubai
191
Walk into any Baré Salon outlet and you’re hit by an unmistakable sense of energy; the staff is busy cutting, washing, talking, sweeping – all things you may find in any salon, only few can rival the tangible feeling of teamwork and commitment. The eponymous Baré, who celebrates 10 years in Dubai this year, has come a long way since he first started working in the JW Marriott Hotel. During those early days, in which he was approached by Emirates to be a grooming consultant and work on the company’s corporate image, he realised the potential for providing premium grooming services to men. His experience with Emirates encouraged Baré at a corporate level and he quickly started working on a chain of salons. Today, that strategy has been well and truly vindicated, as the male grooming industry is booming and his business has taken off. Baré’s fourth salon opened for business in Emaar Towers in August and the company’s fifth operation is due to open in the City of Arabia Mall in 2008. The salon on the first floor of the Mazaya Centre is also a popular tight-knit operation, commanding loyal following of Arabian and expatriate clients. Baré points to changing social trends for the increased interest in male grooming. Men now account for 29 per cent of all spa goers, according to the International Spa Association and sales of male-oriented products are showing double-digit growth, twice the rate of ladies’ products. The Middle East beauty and grooming sector is growing 12 per cent annually and is expected to be worth around US$ 2.1 billion in 2006. “Men like to feel that they have
made an effort to look their best, and that going the extra mile can be proven rewarding both on a personal and professional level”, he said. “If you look healthy, then that projects an image of an organised and responsible person and this is very attractive to others.” But he maintains that a healthy image requires work on a daily basis; turning to professional treatments once in a while will not cover or aid your physical appearance or sense of well-being. “Men should shave everyday at home and once or twice a week with a professional to ensure that the skin remains tuned and problem free”, he said. “Short hair must be trimmed every three weeks and highlights if used, touched up regularly. Facials are also essential to assure a better result when shaving.” Every client can expect a personalised consultation, by any of Baré’s personally trained team. Whether they want to create a new look or maintain their current style, Baré’s goal is for every client to discover the style that suits them best and he is committed to offering individual clients an individual look. His reputation precedes him and clients trust his judgement implicitly, something that Baré finds pricelessly rewarding. Mazaya Shopping Centre Tel.: +9714 343 4112 IBN Battuta Shopping Mall Tel.: +9714 368 5111 Springs, Town Living Centre Tel.: +9714 363 8883 EMAAR Tower, Deira Tel.: +9714 227 7555
Health & Beauty
Alternate Hair Attitude Beauty can be achieved in many ways but for two sisters, true beauty came in the name of their company…Risarg. Inspired by the combination of the first few letters of their names, Risarg epitomises the unrelenting efforts of Rita and Sargina Kelaita two strong and ambitious women answering a lifelong entrepreneurial calling. Newly-opened Risarg aims to position itself as the leading supplier of high-end beauty and hair care products and luxury designer salon furnishings and fixtures.
Rita & Sargina Kelaita, sisters and Managing Partners
Fuelled by the passion of their company's slogan: "We make you look good." Risarg has entered the scene with the powerful launch of its principal haircare product, Alterna Professional Haircare. Made in Beverly Hills, Alterna is an exclusively high-end, unisex line that is preferred by millions and endorsed by celebrities, such as: Madonna; Jennifer Aniston; David & Victoria Beckham; Paris & Nicky Hilton; Nicole Richie; Penelope Cruz; Kate Moss; Naomi Campbell; Julia Roberts; ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and 24s Kiefer Sutherland. With such a reputation to back it up, Risarg is confident that Alterna will revolutionise how men and women in the UAE pamper and treat their hair. Based on a firm moral conviction, the Risarg sisters are not interested in representing anything they don't believe in or don't use themselves. "Alterna will only be sold in leading salons and spas and is ideal for the discerning client who wants the very best hair product," says Sargina Kelaita, Risarg managing partner. "Alterna is a valuable commodity for the individual who is dedicated to and defined by the health, feel and look of his or her hair. We don't want to simply add yet another brand to the existing bottles collecting dust on salon shelves. Alterna is more than just another shampoo or conditioner, it is a unique and powerful resource that is essential to your beauty regime." With so much available, one wonders if and how Alterna is truly different and can actually live up to the bottled promises of beautiful, healthy and shiny hair. The answer is in the technology. In 1997, Alterna's ground-breaking Enzymetherapy™ process
192
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
193
A sample of Alterna’s extensive luxury haircare line
was born. The core technology behind every product in the Alterna line, Enzymetherapy™ promotes the production of superior keratin that is essential for enhanced and healthier growing hair. Unlike other brands, Alterna doesn't simply mask hair problems with thick and deceptive solutions but alternatively nourishes from the scalp out, for a genuine and long term result. "Yes, we're in the business of beauty but we're not in the business of selling a lie. We pride ourselves on founding Risarg on a strong ethos and as two women who are extremely aware of our own appearance; we refuse to sell products that insult the intelligence and integrity of our clients," advocates Rita Kelaita, Risarg managing partner. "We are representative of our clients and know how stressful the local climate can be for our hair. This isn't just another pricey product that gives temporary results. This is the end to unhealthy hair." The Alterna difference is achieved through its four very extensive and distinct product lines ranging from White Truffle and Caviar to
Life and Hemp. Each line works with an invigorating blend of ingredients ranging from Grape Seed Oil; Arabian Frankincense; Seaweed, Algae and Wasabi Extracts to Honeyquat; White Tea; Milk Thistle; Beeswax; Silk Protein; Amino Acids, and Fruit Enzymes. Tackling anything from radical damage; constant UV exposure and chemical and mechanical processing to improving moisture; strength; elasticity; manageability, and shine. As the exclusive agents, Risarg hopes a quality product like Alterna will prove to be the benchmark for the brands, service and quality it seeks to introduce into the UAE and beyond. Perhaps the ultimate ambassador and beholder of beauty with grand plans to raise the bar on what's currently available in a tired and oversaturated market and industry, Risarg is looking to a future that clearly captures and defines the promise to make us look good. Tel +9716 743 6656 www.risarg.com
Health & Beauty
Alternate Hair Attitude Beauty can be achieved in many ways but for two sisters, true beauty came in the name of their company…Risarg. Inspired by the combination of the first few letters of their names, Risarg epitomises the unrelenting efforts of Rita and Sargina Kelaita two strong and ambitious women answering a lifelong entrepreneurial calling. Newly-opened Risarg aims to position itself as the leading supplier of high-end beauty and hair care products and luxury designer salon furnishings and fixtures.
Rita & Sargina Kelaita, sisters and Managing Partners
Fuelled by the passion of their company's slogan: "We make you look good." Risarg has entered the scene with the powerful launch of its principal haircare product, Alterna Professional Haircare. Made in Beverly Hills, Alterna is an exclusively high-end, unisex line that is preferred by millions and endorsed by celebrities, such as: Madonna; Jennifer Aniston; David & Victoria Beckham; Paris & Nicky Hilton; Nicole Richie; Penelope Cruz; Kate Moss; Naomi Campbell; Julia Roberts; ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and 24s Kiefer Sutherland. With such a reputation to back it up, Risarg is confident that Alterna will revolutionise how men and women in the UAE pamper and treat their hair. Based on a firm moral conviction, the Risarg sisters are not interested in representing anything they don't believe in or don't use themselves. "Alterna will only be sold in leading salons and spas and is ideal for the discerning client who wants the very best hair product," says Sargina Kelaita, Risarg managing partner. "Alterna is a valuable commodity for the individual who is dedicated to and defined by the health, feel and look of his or her hair. We don't want to simply add yet another brand to the existing bottles collecting dust on salon shelves. Alterna is more than just another shampoo or conditioner, it is a unique and powerful resource that is essential to your beauty regime." With so much available, one wonders if and how Alterna is truly different and can actually live up to the bottled promises of beautiful, healthy and shiny hair. The answer is in the technology. In 1997, Alterna's ground-breaking Enzymetherapy™ process
192
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
193
A sample of Alterna’s extensive luxury haircare line
was born. The core technology behind every product in the Alterna line, Enzymetherapy™ promotes the production of superior keratin that is essential for enhanced and healthier growing hair. Unlike other brands, Alterna doesn't simply mask hair problems with thick and deceptive solutions but alternatively nourishes from the scalp out, for a genuine and long term result. "Yes, we're in the business of beauty but we're not in the business of selling a lie. We pride ourselves on founding Risarg on a strong ethos and as two women who are extremely aware of our own appearance; we refuse to sell products that insult the intelligence and integrity of our clients," advocates Rita Kelaita, Risarg managing partner. "We are representative of our clients and know how stressful the local climate can be for our hair. This isn't just another pricey product that gives temporary results. This is the end to unhealthy hair." The Alterna difference is achieved through its four very extensive and distinct product lines ranging from White Truffle and Caviar to
Life and Hemp. Each line works with an invigorating blend of ingredients ranging from Grape Seed Oil; Arabian Frankincense; Seaweed, Algae and Wasabi Extracts to Honeyquat; White Tea; Milk Thistle; Beeswax; Silk Protein; Amino Acids, and Fruit Enzymes. Tackling anything from radical damage; constant UV exposure and chemical and mechanical processing to improving moisture; strength; elasticity; manageability, and shine. As the exclusive agents, Risarg hopes a quality product like Alterna will prove to be the benchmark for the brands, service and quality it seeks to introduce into the UAE and beyond. Perhaps the ultimate ambassador and beholder of beauty with grand plans to raise the bar on what's currently available in a tired and oversaturated market and industry, Risarg is looking to a future that clearly captures and defines the promise to make us look good. Tel +9716 743 6656 www.risarg.com
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you". Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher
CHAPTER 11 Young People
"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you". Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet, artist and philosopher
CHAPTER 11 Young People
Young People
Enriching Infancy With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the final product, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely and explore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course, fun environment. Partners Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi are keen to bring their children to work.
198
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
199
Whilst it’s easy to pinpoint when Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi decided to open Favourite Things, an integrated leisure and learning facility for mothers and children, “We started thrashing about embryonic ideas about 18 months ago.” And to trace how their joint passion for taking onboard the needs of these two segments with an innovative spirit and a discerning eye for detail, “We coalesced our respective needs first as mothers, then as business partners, and found that our separate wish lists ultimately matched.” It is not so easy to define in what specific ways their 6,771 square foot Favourite Things living and learning centre in Jumeirah’s Palm Strip Mall will evolve. This is not surprising. Launched in August 2006, “Our core objective is to let end-users dictate their needs that will then influence the range of our services and the product mix based on the stake holders – mothers and children – and not the other way around”, Sandra, a Saudi of German-Palestinian origin, university lecturer-turned-entrepreneur explains. This is not to say that they don’t have their first exquisitely designed centre up and running to a lively, action-packed momentum that has added a much-needed option for exclusive venues of this type. They do, with flair and pizzazz. Inspired by motherhood and the desire to give the best to their own children whilst spending quality time together, activities ranging from arts n’ crafts, fancy dress, water n’ sand play to jungle gym, wall climbing and scheduled activities like story telling, have ensured that the arrival of Favourite Things on the Dubai scene has caused a positive furore. This has set a new benchmark for quality, originality, interactivity and downright fun in a critical service area that – with scarce exceptions notwithstanding – has been missing in the emirate. “We have not reinvented the wheel with Favourite Things, we have merely succeeded in adding some new cogs that unleash children’s creativity and allow mothers to participate in a creative dialogue with their kids. Add this to an ideal venue for them to relax, snack and shop and you’ve got something entirely different”, Farah, a Palestinian-Emirati, former Investment Banker, and CFA adds. With a multinational team of 11 trained staff that adhere to Favourite Things ‘education through entertainment’ dictum, infants up to children of 10 years old are welcome to a tailor-made hang-out kitted out in ageappropriate uber chic interactive style. Games and fun notwithstanding - Check out the interactive, brightly hued wall collage to enhance toddler’s motor skills, the water table with exciting hydraulic elements and the spacious glass walls that allow mums to gaze adoringly at their little ones in full play mode whilst they sip designer cappuccinos in the adjacent café area. They are all original design elements thought through by the Madi-Nabulsi duo that look great and work even better. “Nothing is overkill at Favourite
Things. Everything mothers and children see and experience is the painstaking result of our own dreams and needs as mums. From bringing onboard a dedicated birthday and events planner to ensuring a spacious maternity room, cutting corners is not our style. Edutainment in a safe environment is essential. We felt that putting together a novel lifestyle option with a genuine personal feel would make sense and add value all round”, Sandra says. Naturally, this achievement has not been hassle-free. Both partners anticipated challenges along the way and their expectations were at times, sorely, met. Farah clarifies: “Finding the right team, aligning practical possibilities with budgets and timelines, balancing intuition with rational logic, as well as sticking to a plan whilst having the flexibility of changing it if necessary. We have had moments of total impasse”, she laughs. The result however, is outstanding. Favourite Things is a winner all round. Here is a place where children of all ages can play, while parents can join in or shop, meet friends and relax. Raising the bar on providing personalised customer care destinations for the entire family is spurring the duo forward. They are moving onwards and upwards as budding entrepreneurs developing a homegrown Middle Eastern brand. This process has been enhanced by several quarters. For instance, Sandra has nothing but praise for the “unbelievably fantastic” assistance the partners got from Dubai’s Economic Department throughout the entire licensing and set-up process. “Who says that equal opportunities do not exist in this part of the world? Staff at the Women’s Division were friendly and efficient. Once they did their due diligence, we came up trumps. As long as you follow the system and show a hands-on willingness to get your project through, I can’t imagine why any woman would not want to do her own business if she has a winning idea”, Sandra adds. Fiercely passionate and protective of their multi-facetted family destination haven that is part fun, part food and part retail too, setting up Favourite Things was “A substantial investment and far more than a ladies’ business whim. With our joint complementary backgrounds, we elevated the quality and level of planning at Favourite Things to match expectations for our own most prized possessions – our kids”, Farah says. With this uncompromising standpoint, “Whenever we were faced with a ‘no’ from any quarter, for us it became the beginning of the conversation – never the end.” With Favourite Things still in its infancy, Sandra and Farah are already exploring the possibility of franchising their interactive kids n’ mums concept, as well as eyeing suitable commercial property to house Favourite Things second and third outlets in Dubai. “Growth is inevitable if your objectives are to build a brand capable of crossing
Young People
Enriching Infancy With activities focussing on the process, not necessarily the final product, children are encouraged to get messy, move freely and explore the world around them in a safe, structured and of course, fun environment. Partners Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi are keen to bring their children to work.
198
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
199
Whilst it’s easy to pinpoint when Farah Bizzari Nabulsi and Sandra Saifi Madi decided to open Favourite Things, an integrated leisure and learning facility for mothers and children, “We started thrashing about embryonic ideas about 18 months ago.” And to trace how their joint passion for taking onboard the needs of these two segments with an innovative spirit and a discerning eye for detail, “We coalesced our respective needs first as mothers, then as business partners, and found that our separate wish lists ultimately matched.” It is not so easy to define in what specific ways their 6,771 square foot Favourite Things living and learning centre in Jumeirah’s Palm Strip Mall will evolve. This is not surprising. Launched in August 2006, “Our core objective is to let end-users dictate their needs that will then influence the range of our services and the product mix based on the stake holders – mothers and children – and not the other way around”, Sandra, a Saudi of German-Palestinian origin, university lecturer-turned-entrepreneur explains. This is not to say that they don’t have their first exquisitely designed centre up and running to a lively, action-packed momentum that has added a much-needed option for exclusive venues of this type. They do, with flair and pizzazz. Inspired by motherhood and the desire to give the best to their own children whilst spending quality time together, activities ranging from arts n’ crafts, fancy dress, water n’ sand play to jungle gym, wall climbing and scheduled activities like story telling, have ensured that the arrival of Favourite Things on the Dubai scene has caused a positive furore. This has set a new benchmark for quality, originality, interactivity and downright fun in a critical service area that – with scarce exceptions notwithstanding – has been missing in the emirate. “We have not reinvented the wheel with Favourite Things, we have merely succeeded in adding some new cogs that unleash children’s creativity and allow mothers to participate in a creative dialogue with their kids. Add this to an ideal venue for them to relax, snack and shop and you’ve got something entirely different”, Farah, a Palestinian-Emirati, former Investment Banker, and CFA adds. With a multinational team of 11 trained staff that adhere to Favourite Things ‘education through entertainment’ dictum, infants up to children of 10 years old are welcome to a tailor-made hang-out kitted out in ageappropriate uber chic interactive style. Games and fun notwithstanding - Check out the interactive, brightly hued wall collage to enhance toddler’s motor skills, the water table with exciting hydraulic elements and the spacious glass walls that allow mums to gaze adoringly at their little ones in full play mode whilst they sip designer cappuccinos in the adjacent café area. They are all original design elements thought through by the Madi-Nabulsi duo that look great and work even better. “Nothing is overkill at Favourite
Things. Everything mothers and children see and experience is the painstaking result of our own dreams and needs as mums. From bringing onboard a dedicated birthday and events planner to ensuring a spacious maternity room, cutting corners is not our style. Edutainment in a safe environment is essential. We felt that putting together a novel lifestyle option with a genuine personal feel would make sense and add value all round”, Sandra says. Naturally, this achievement has not been hassle-free. Both partners anticipated challenges along the way and their expectations were at times, sorely, met. Farah clarifies: “Finding the right team, aligning practical possibilities with budgets and timelines, balancing intuition with rational logic, as well as sticking to a plan whilst having the flexibility of changing it if necessary. We have had moments of total impasse”, she laughs. The result however, is outstanding. Favourite Things is a winner all round. Here is a place where children of all ages can play, while parents can join in or shop, meet friends and relax. Raising the bar on providing personalised customer care destinations for the entire family is spurring the duo forward. They are moving onwards and upwards as budding entrepreneurs developing a homegrown Middle Eastern brand. This process has been enhanced by several quarters. For instance, Sandra has nothing but praise for the “unbelievably fantastic” assistance the partners got from Dubai’s Economic Department throughout the entire licensing and set-up process. “Who says that equal opportunities do not exist in this part of the world? Staff at the Women’s Division were friendly and efficient. Once they did their due diligence, we came up trumps. As long as you follow the system and show a hands-on willingness to get your project through, I can’t imagine why any woman would not want to do her own business if she has a winning idea”, Sandra adds. Fiercely passionate and protective of their multi-facetted family destination haven that is part fun, part food and part retail too, setting up Favourite Things was “A substantial investment and far more than a ladies’ business whim. With our joint complementary backgrounds, we elevated the quality and level of planning at Favourite Things to match expectations for our own most prized possessions – our kids”, Farah says. With this uncompromising standpoint, “Whenever we were faced with a ‘no’ from any quarter, for us it became the beginning of the conversation – never the end.” With Favourite Things still in its infancy, Sandra and Farah are already exploring the possibility of franchising their interactive kids n’ mums concept, as well as eyeing suitable commercial property to house Favourite Things second and third outlets in Dubai. “Growth is inevitable if your objectives are to build a brand capable of crossing
FAVOURITE THINGS at a glance Edutainment Area Favourite Things play area (ages 0 – 3) Offering climbing structures, tailor-made interactive collages and games, books and loads of the best quality toys in a custom made, stimulating safe environment.
borders and effecting positive change”, Sandra explains. “Working with children’s overall betterment in mind, we both agree that a strong element of corporate social responsibility is an integral part of the Favourite Things picture.” This is why the team already has plans to ensure that less privileged children get the opportunity to participate in fun life at Favourite Things. “There are a million ways to give back to society. As entrepreneurs, we feel it incumbent on us to explore ways to help the more vulnerable parts of society through a vehicle such as Favourite Things. For us, it’s not about making money for money’s sake. Above all, it’s about finding ways to expand the business so that we can improve our services, customise our offering in different
State of the art children’s play area (ages 2-10) - An intergalactic space themed climbing Wall. - An animal themed jungle Gym. - A Fancy Dress room, filled with over 70 costumes and props for different ages. - An Art room; where creativity and messiness coexist either solo or with an Arts supervisor. - A Stations Room which includes: Interactive water play area, sand play area and a construction table too.
outlets so as to strengthen our brand and therefore be in a position to give back. Reciprocity is definitely one of the most exciting visions that we have for Favourite Things”, Farah concludes. Location The Palm Strip Shopping Mall Jumeira 1 (opposite THE ONE) Second Floor (Underground parking available) Opening Hours Sundays – Thursdays 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Favourite Things Multi-Function Room Stylishly designed, with a lounge area for reading, playing board games or just watching a movie on flat screen TV, relaxing on funky bean bags takes a whole new meaning. Of course, this space also converts into the perfect setting for those extra special events…
Tel.: 04 345 2725, Fax: 04 345 2763 Email:
[email protected] www.favouritethings.com
200
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
201
Favourite Things Scheduled Activities Apart from the free play areas, to which all kids have access, multi-lingual scheduled activities, such as story times, sing-a-longs, dramatic play in English, Arabic, French and German are all the rage given Dubai’s cosmopolitan mien. Retail Area The Café A haven where mums n’ dads are offered an opportunity to relax, while kids play. Nutritious, wholesome food ideal for a quick snack, with yummy selections of savouries, sweets and plenty of options for the little ones as well. The Boutique Looking frumpy during pregnancy is no longer an option. The Favourite Things boutique has introduced a wide range of trendy maternity and non-maternity styles, including brands such as Susana Monaco, Woo Maternity and Orla Kiely, Diane Von Furstenberg, Paulina Quintana and more. With carefully selected gift items and novelties, the boutique also boasts the latest and hippest baby and child products, from the Mozzee Highchair, to the Easywalker push chair; and the Storksak diaper bag too.
FAVOURITE THINGS at a glance Edutainment Area Favourite Things play area (ages 0 – 3) Offering climbing structures, tailor-made interactive collages and games, books and loads of the best quality toys in a custom made, stimulating safe environment.
borders and effecting positive change”, Sandra explains. “Working with children’s overall betterment in mind, we both agree that a strong element of corporate social responsibility is an integral part of the Favourite Things picture.” This is why the team already has plans to ensure that less privileged children get the opportunity to participate in fun life at Favourite Things. “There are a million ways to give back to society. As entrepreneurs, we feel it incumbent on us to explore ways to help the more vulnerable parts of society through a vehicle such as Favourite Things. For us, it’s not about making money for money’s sake. Above all, it’s about finding ways to expand the business so that we can improve our services, customise our offering in different
State of the art children’s play area (ages 2-10) - An intergalactic space themed climbing Wall. - An animal themed jungle Gym. - A Fancy Dress room, filled with over 70 costumes and props for different ages. - An Art room; where creativity and messiness coexist either solo or with an Arts supervisor. - A Stations Room which includes: Interactive water play area, sand play area and a construction table too.
outlets so as to strengthen our brand and therefore be in a position to give back. Reciprocity is definitely one of the most exciting visions that we have for Favourite Things”, Farah concludes. Location The Palm Strip Shopping Mall Jumeira 1 (opposite THE ONE) Second Floor (Underground parking available) Opening Hours Sundays – Thursdays 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Favourite Things Multi-Function Room Stylishly designed, with a lounge area for reading, playing board games or just watching a movie on flat screen TV, relaxing on funky bean bags takes a whole new meaning. Of course, this space also converts into the perfect setting for those extra special events…
Tel.: 04 345 2725, Fax: 04 345 2763 Email:
[email protected] www.favouritethings.com
200
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
201
Favourite Things Scheduled Activities Apart from the free play areas, to which all kids have access, multi-lingual scheduled activities, such as story times, sing-a-longs, dramatic play in English, Arabic, French and German are all the rage given Dubai’s cosmopolitan mien. Retail Area The Café A haven where mums n’ dads are offered an opportunity to relax, while kids play. Nutritious, wholesome food ideal for a quick snack, with yummy selections of savouries, sweets and plenty of options for the little ones as well. The Boutique Looking frumpy during pregnancy is no longer an option. The Favourite Things boutique has introduced a wide range of trendy maternity and non-maternity styles, including brands such as Susana Monaco, Woo Maternity and Orla Kiely, Diane Von Furstenberg, Paulina Quintana and more. With carefully selected gift items and novelties, the boutique also boasts the latest and hippest baby and child products, from the Mozzee Highchair, to the Easywalker push chair; and the Storksak diaper bag too.
Young People
Understanding Children Better A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is the only Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itself belies its uniqueness.
Kindly, yet driven in her pursuit of excellence, Lina Jabbour is the 'godmother' you did not realise your child ever had. In the ever-transient scenario of Dubai, her Day Care aptly named Tender Love and Care (TLC) is a 'home away from home,' where parents are as welcome in the classrooms as much as the children are. Indeed, this Lebanese-born and Canadian educated early childhood specialist asserts that “Parents are encouraged to participate in all activities and I welcome their opinions, with an open-door policy at all times.” Even though this hands-on modus operandi may make her very busy at times, “Parents are the eyes and ears of TLC and as such their thoughts and opinions are integral to the wellbeing of the Day Care and the children overall”, explains Lina. As a postgraduate in Early Childhood Education, Lina's approach to teaching is as gentle as it is educationally sound. “I believe that all children's senses need to be stimulated through playing and having fun to encourage curiosity and to spark a natural desire to learn. It is very important nowadays to encourage children to make their own decisions and be independent. This is why we concentrate on a comprehensive tailor-made curriculum that is based on several approaches.” As an expert in different worldwide schooling systems, she believes that the ideal combination lies in pooling the resources and values of all the above. “Keeping in mind the tremendous diversity of all my little students that range age-wise from infancy until little ones are ready to go to junior school, my duty is to keep the curriculum adaptable and flexible, while maintaining high standards of excellent professional and dedicated staff and top-of-the-line resources intact. Pre-school is one of the most important aspects of a child's development.” A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is the only Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itself belies its uniqueness. Ideally located to service Dubai's expanding freehold communities, TLC is a second home to children and a haven for their parents, many of whom work as part of the free zone's white collar workforce, the nursery is situated in one of DMC's exclusive villas. The surroundings offer comfort, cleanliness and an overall feeling of noisy, happy cheerfulness essential to defer any feelings of anxiety children may feel when first joining day care. "Naturally each child reacts differently to nursery school, but at TLC we make it our duty to ensure that the experience is a positive one, with fun as well as the acquisition of skills equally important", Lina adds. A commitment to refreshing and upgrading her offering is paramount, given the fierce competition and her natural desire to give children the
202
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
203
best. To this end she has incorporated music, arts and crafts in her Day Care. “It is vital to understand the differences between the many different traditions that coexist in today's rainbow society. With art and music however, these differences can be bridged in an inclusive and effective way. Our basic aim is to provide appropriate learning experiences based on the interest and needs of the individual child and to provide opportunities for growth in all areas - emotional, social, physical, intellectual and cultural. This individual treatment is essential to allow children to be able to think for themselves. Nevertheless, this also allows for a tailor-made approach as the curriculum is designed around individual needs and all children are encouraged to explore their own talents”. With languages foremost on parent's minds, French classes are available along with the main teaching in English. Lina's faith in children is inspirational. “Children from birth until at least five years old are like sponges. The more you offer them, then the more eager they are to learn. I believe that children are able to absorb far more than we give them credit for, this is why I want to offer as many opportunities as possible under my guidance at TLC.” Having said this, having a multicultural environment brings its own set of challenges, and since it is very important to TLC to adhere to parents' desires, it is often hard to juggle differing requirements. However, being a parent herself to her two boys who belong to TLC too, no one understands better than Lina how precious a child is to their parent, and therefore she and her 18-strong team appreciate the need to find a way to manage expectations. “I will always put time aside to sit with each and every parent to explain the importance of routine, whilst maintaining a harmonious synergy with the individual needs of the child and the desires of the parent”, Lina says. Currently, TLC welcomes children from walking stage to four years. Despite her nursery’s evident success, Lina does not rest on her laurels and takes her responsibilities very seriously. “I am entrusted with people's prized possessions and this trust cannot be taken lightly”, she explains. A fierce believer in the hands-on approach in child care, there is no room for mistake at TLC. That is why, whenever you pass by the well appointed DMC Boutique Office Villa, you will find her surrounded by her ‘extended family’. “I am there to welcome children in the morning and to wave goodbye to them when all the toys have been put away for the night.” Tel:+971 4 367 1636 www.tenderloveandcare.com
Young People
Understanding Children Better A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is the only Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itself belies its uniqueness.
Kindly, yet driven in her pursuit of excellence, Lina Jabbour is the 'godmother' you did not realise your child ever had. In the ever-transient scenario of Dubai, her Day Care aptly named Tender Love and Care (TLC) is a 'home away from home,' where parents are as welcome in the classrooms as much as the children are. Indeed, this Lebanese-born and Canadian educated early childhood specialist asserts that “Parents are encouraged to participate in all activities and I welcome their opinions, with an open-door policy at all times.” Even though this hands-on modus operandi may make her very busy at times, “Parents are the eyes and ears of TLC and as such their thoughts and opinions are integral to the wellbeing of the Day Care and the children overall”, explains Lina. As a postgraduate in Early Childhood Education, Lina's approach to teaching is as gentle as it is educationally sound. “I believe that all children's senses need to be stimulated through playing and having fun to encourage curiosity and to spark a natural desire to learn. It is very important nowadays to encourage children to make their own decisions and be independent. This is why we concentrate on a comprehensive tailor-made curriculum that is based on several approaches.” As an expert in different worldwide schooling systems, she believes that the ideal combination lies in pooling the resources and values of all the above. “Keeping in mind the tremendous diversity of all my little students that range age-wise from infancy until little ones are ready to go to junior school, my duty is to keep the curriculum adaptable and flexible, while maintaining high standards of excellent professional and dedicated staff and top-of-the-line resources intact. Pre-school is one of the most important aspects of a child's development.” A first of its kind in Dubai's nascent free zone community, TLC is the only Day Care found within Dubai Media City (DMC), and this in itself belies its uniqueness. Ideally located to service Dubai's expanding freehold communities, TLC is a second home to children and a haven for their parents, many of whom work as part of the free zone's white collar workforce, the nursery is situated in one of DMC's exclusive villas. The surroundings offer comfort, cleanliness and an overall feeling of noisy, happy cheerfulness essential to defer any feelings of anxiety children may feel when first joining day care. "Naturally each child reacts differently to nursery school, but at TLC we make it our duty to ensure that the experience is a positive one, with fun as well as the acquisition of skills equally important", Lina adds. A commitment to refreshing and upgrading her offering is paramount, given the fierce competition and her natural desire to give children the
202
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
203
best. To this end she has incorporated music, arts and crafts in her Day Care. “It is vital to understand the differences between the many different traditions that coexist in today's rainbow society. With art and music however, these differences can be bridged in an inclusive and effective way. Our basic aim is to provide appropriate learning experiences based on the interest and needs of the individual child and to provide opportunities for growth in all areas - emotional, social, physical, intellectual and cultural. This individual treatment is essential to allow children to be able to think for themselves. Nevertheless, this also allows for a tailor-made approach as the curriculum is designed around individual needs and all children are encouraged to explore their own talents”. With languages foremost on parent's minds, French classes are available along with the main teaching in English. Lina's faith in children is inspirational. “Children from birth until at least five years old are like sponges. The more you offer them, then the more eager they are to learn. I believe that children are able to absorb far more than we give them credit for, this is why I want to offer as many opportunities as possible under my guidance at TLC.” Having said this, having a multicultural environment brings its own set of challenges, and since it is very important to TLC to adhere to parents' desires, it is often hard to juggle differing requirements. However, being a parent herself to her two boys who belong to TLC too, no one understands better than Lina how precious a child is to their parent, and therefore she and her 18-strong team appreciate the need to find a way to manage expectations. “I will always put time aside to sit with each and every parent to explain the importance of routine, whilst maintaining a harmonious synergy with the individual needs of the child and the desires of the parent”, Lina says. Currently, TLC welcomes children from walking stage to four years. Despite her nursery’s evident success, Lina does not rest on her laurels and takes her responsibilities very seriously. “I am entrusted with people's prized possessions and this trust cannot be taken lightly”, she explains. A fierce believer in the hands-on approach in child care, there is no room for mistake at TLC. That is why, whenever you pass by the well appointed DMC Boutique Office Villa, you will find her surrounded by her ‘extended family’. “I am there to welcome children in the morning and to wave goodbye to them when all the toys have been put away for the night.” Tel:+971 4 367 1636 www.tenderloveandcare.com
Young People
Monkeynastix.qxp
12/28/2006
4:55 PM
Page 1
Monkeynastix 4 Healthy Living
environments eg. townhouses and clusters. Children have increasingly limited access to large gardens and jungle gym equipment. Children are at risk of spending too much time in front of a screen instead of moving eg. computers, TV, electronic games, cellphone games etc. Security concerns limit the free exploration of the environment by children.
Movement is as natural to children as breathing and almost as essential. The Monkeynastix programme provides children with a myriad of different movement experiences in different contexts for them to discover the unlimited possibilities that exist in physical activity.
BORN TO MOVE Let Monkeynastix take your child on a journey of discovery that will not only shape the body, but wire the mind for academic success. Children are born to move and through Monkeynastix we encourage them to explore and discover the world through their senses and their bodies with our fun and exciting movement education programme - designed by specialists, endorsed by therapists and teachers, and loved by kids! DID YOU KNOW? There is a direct connection between the large body movements involved in climbing, running, walking, swimming and ball play, and the small movements necessary for reading and writing activities. Babies and young children learn from the inside out. Their core muscle strength is vital to healthy overall development and for laying strong foundations for higher order learning. Children need to repeat movements thousands of times in many different ways to master them and gain confidence. When a child is moving he or she is not just working his or her body but the eye muscles too. The co-ordination between the eyes and hands and the eyes and feet is integral to overall development.
Monkeynastix is an Internationally recognised Movement Education Programme for children ages 1- 8 in three separate curriculums for ages 1-2, 3-6 and 7-8 and is structured in a franchise business system with more than 60 franchisees, currently with 250 qualified instructors presenting classes at more than 2000 venues worldwide to more than 35 000 children in this age group. Today's children are not moving nearly as much as we did when we were children. Modern living, easy access to fast food, television and computers all contribute to the fact that children are more passive and generally overweight. The Monkeynastix programme is non-competitive, builds self-confidence and a positive self-image and focus on long-term motivation. We at Monkeynastix are dedicated in making a difference in the lives of many young children and our enthusiasm and work ethic will ensure that children's lives are touched forever.
204
Best of Dubai
OUR VISION STATEMENT The Monkeynastix Corporation provides franchisees, instructors, schools, teachers, parents, children and communities with services and products that enrich, support and celebrate childhood. OUR PHILOSOPHY To teach children Monkeynastix in a fun, safe environment and raise their levels of selfconfidence. This is a circular goal with no beginning and no end, but which continually feeds on the nourishment of the opportunity to move.
Best of Dubai
205
GOOD FOUNDATIONS Good movement education helps develop foundations for: - Neater handwriting - The ability to sit comfortably in a chair and focus on desk work - Improved concentration - Eye strength for reading and copying from books, worksheets or the blackboard - The ability to follow movement demonstrations and auditory instructions - Sequencing, memory and rhythm - for reading and writing - The acquisition of vocabulary that relates to movement eg. numbers, up, down, body parts, action words (in, behind), direction (left, right) etc. RESEARCH TELLS US Children today are living in smaller
THE PROGRAMME Our fun and creative approach to movement allows children to be children again. Monkeynastix is a broad-based, holistic programme that combines creativity, music and storytelling with basic training in flexibility, balance, strength, agility, coordination and body awareness. Your child will love each energy-packed lesson. HOW DOES MONKEYNASTIX WORK? A qualified instructor will come to your child's school or public venue to run a class once a week. Lessons run for 30 minutes. Lessons include a warm up to music, stretch and tone and working with specialised equipment. We believe in rewarding children to build their self esteem - each child receives a sticker at the end of every class. A certificate will be given to your child at the end of each term. At the end of each year your child will receive a special Monkeynastix medal. HEALTHY LIVING HABITS Get your child into healthy living habits from an early age. At Monkeynastix we reinforce what you are doing at home by incorporating some of the following into our lessons: - Emotional intelligence (e.g. respect yourself and others) - Social skills (e.g. please and thank you) - Environmental awareness (e.g. conserve water) - Moral standards (e.g. waiting your turn) - Healthy habits (e.g. Like brushing teeth, sun protection, hygiene) OPEN THE DOOR TO LEARN Create opportunities for your child to move. Your encouragement and support is important. Remember that every time your child moves the door to learning opens. 10 YEARS OF EXPERTISE Monkeynastix - the pioneer of movement education in South Africa for the past 10 years. Now also successful and expanding in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Turkey, Zambia, Dubai and starting in Egypt in 2007. Tel: +97150 676 3697 www.monkeynastix.biz
Young People
Monkeynastix.qxp
12/28/2006
4:55 PM
Page 1
Monkeynastix 4 Healthy Living
environments eg. townhouses and clusters. Children have increasingly limited access to large gardens and jungle gym equipment. Children are at risk of spending too much time in front of a screen instead of moving eg. computers, TV, electronic games, cellphone games etc. Security concerns limit the free exploration of the environment by children.
Movement is as natural to children as breathing and almost as essential. The Monkeynastix programme provides children with a myriad of different movement experiences in different contexts for them to discover the unlimited possibilities that exist in physical activity.
BORN TO MOVE Let Monkeynastix take your child on a journey of discovery that will not only shape the body, but wire the mind for academic success. Children are born to move and through Monkeynastix we encourage them to explore and discover the world through their senses and their bodies with our fun and exciting movement education programme - designed by specialists, endorsed by therapists and teachers, and loved by kids! DID YOU KNOW? There is a direct connection between the large body movements involved in climbing, running, walking, swimming and ball play, and the small movements necessary for reading and writing activities. Babies and young children learn from the inside out. Their core muscle strength is vital to healthy overall development and for laying strong foundations for higher order learning. Children need to repeat movements thousands of times in many different ways to master them and gain confidence. When a child is moving he or she is not just working his or her body but the eye muscles too. The co-ordination between the eyes and hands and the eyes and feet is integral to overall development.
Monkeynastix is an Internationally recognised Movement Education Programme for children ages 1- 8 in three separate curriculums for ages 1-2, 3-6 and 7-8 and is structured in a franchise business system with more than 60 franchisees, currently with 250 qualified instructors presenting classes at more than 2000 venues worldwide to more than 35 000 children in this age group. Today's children are not moving nearly as much as we did when we were children. Modern living, easy access to fast food, television and computers all contribute to the fact that children are more passive and generally overweight. The Monkeynastix programme is non-competitive, builds self-confidence and a positive self-image and focus on long-term motivation. We at Monkeynastix are dedicated in making a difference in the lives of many young children and our enthusiasm and work ethic will ensure that children's lives are touched forever.
204
Best of Dubai
OUR VISION STATEMENT The Monkeynastix Corporation provides franchisees, instructors, schools, teachers, parents, children and communities with services and products that enrich, support and celebrate childhood. OUR PHILOSOPHY To teach children Monkeynastix in a fun, safe environment and raise their levels of selfconfidence. This is a circular goal with no beginning and no end, but which continually feeds on the nourishment of the opportunity to move.
Best of Dubai
205
GOOD FOUNDATIONS Good movement education helps develop foundations for: - Neater handwriting - The ability to sit comfortably in a chair and focus on desk work - Improved concentration - Eye strength for reading and copying from books, worksheets or the blackboard - The ability to follow movement demonstrations and auditory instructions - Sequencing, memory and rhythm - for reading and writing - The acquisition of vocabulary that relates to movement eg. numbers, up, down, body parts, action words (in, behind), direction (left, right) etc. RESEARCH TELLS US Children today are living in smaller
THE PROGRAMME Our fun and creative approach to movement allows children to be children again. Monkeynastix is a broad-based, holistic programme that combines creativity, music and storytelling with basic training in flexibility, balance, strength, agility, coordination and body awareness. Your child will love each energy-packed lesson. HOW DOES MONKEYNASTIX WORK? A qualified instructor will come to your child's school or public venue to run a class once a week. Lessons run for 30 minutes. Lessons include a warm up to music, stretch and tone and working with specialised equipment. We believe in rewarding children to build their self esteem - each child receives a sticker at the end of every class. A certificate will be given to your child at the end of each term. At the end of each year your child will receive a special Monkeynastix medal. HEALTHY LIVING HABITS Get your child into healthy living habits from an early age. At Monkeynastix we reinforce what you are doing at home by incorporating some of the following into our lessons: - Emotional intelligence (e.g. respect yourself and others) - Social skills (e.g. please and thank you) - Environmental awareness (e.g. conserve water) - Moral standards (e.g. waiting your turn) - Healthy habits (e.g. Like brushing teeth, sun protection, hygiene) OPEN THE DOOR TO LEARN Create opportunities for your child to move. Your encouragement and support is important. Remember that every time your child moves the door to learning opens. 10 YEARS OF EXPERTISE Monkeynastix - the pioneer of movement education in South Africa for the past 10 years. Now also successful and expanding in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Turkey, Zambia, Dubai and starting in Egypt in 2007. Tel: +97150 676 3697 www.monkeynastix.biz
"We have to make history and approach the future with steady steps, not wait for the future to come to us". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 12 Corporate Profiles
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab conference facilities
"We have to make history and approach the future with steady steps, not wait for the future to come to us". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 12 Corporate Profiles
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab conference facilities
Corporate Profiles
Best of Industry.qxd
12/9/06
10:02 AM
Page 1
Onwards and Upwards The pitfalls that accompany long-term economic overdependence on a solitary source, namely oil and gas, are being successfully curtailed in the UAE. The healthy state of the manufacturing sector is a testament to this strategy.
208
Best of Dubai
Best of Industry.qxd
12/9/06
10:06 AM
Page 2
Dubai, the frontrunner of economic diversification, has seen its manufacturing sector gear into fast forward mode. Just ten years ago, manufacturers contributed 8.3 per cent of local GDP, a figure that has now doubled to 16 per cent, making it the second largest source of local wealth. In total, despite making up only five per cent of the UAE landmass, 30 per cent of the country's total GDP is generated by Dubai. In terms of foreign direct investment (FDI), Dubai has strategically positioned itself as the regions leading destination for businesses, hosting nearly 150 Fortune 500 companies. The Department for Economic Development reports that total capital investment into Dubai industry stood at approximately US$7 billion for 2004, with the total production valued at US$680 million. During this period, manufacturing grew 17 percent and similar growth patterns are expected for 2005/06. This investment has been most beneficial to the metallic mineral products, non-metallic products, food processing, fabricated metal and equipment, and chemical and plastic products sectors of industry. The UAE has also developed into a major hub for the textile and garment industry in the region. A major factor in promoting a bulk of the FDI for the Dubai industrial sector has been the formation of industrial cities, technology parks, and free zones. The favourable conditions for operating in these zones make them sustainable long-term options. As the oldest and most well established free zone in the country, hosting nearly 400 companies, the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has established a new business zone to focus on creating eight specific industry clusters. In doing so, the number of companies operating in JAFZA is expected to climb to 6000. US$700 million has also been invested into Dubai Industrial City (DIC) in order to provide the supporting infrastructure to entice more companies into the emirate. DIC will consist of six main zones specialising in machinery and mechanical equipment, transport equipment, base metals, chemical products, food and beverage and mineral products. A 50 million square feet Logistics Park is being developed inside the city that will also contain labour accommodation. It is anticipated that DIC will contribute US$545 million per
Best of Dubai
209
Best of Industry.qxd
12/9/06
2:53 PM
Page 3
annum to GDP by 2010. To avoid federal taxation and customs tariffs, which range for 5 to 7 per cent on production and certain export activities, DIC has not been set up as a free zone. The DIC is also hoping for a change in the federal companies law to allow for majority foreign ownership. In the private sector, Dubai Investments Park, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, itself a major investor in the local industrial sector, has also proven popular as a base for industry. Among the industries to have settled here are specialists in pharmaceutical products, insulation material, water purification, cold storage, building systems and a manufacturer of cast steel valves for the oil and water sectors. With the launch of Emaar Industries, Emaar Properties is looking to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the manufacturing sector brought about by Dubai's rapid economic growth. In particular, the amazing growth of the construction sector over the last four years has impacted on the furniture, cement, steel and iron industries, with all experiencing expansion as a result. Of these, the furniture sector grew by 50 per cent in 2005 and is now worth US$270 million. There is, however, a risk of overcapacity in some of these sectors should there be a slowdown in the construction sector, but this is countered by good investment opportunities in industries such as chemicals and foodstuffs. The depreciation of the UAE dirham against major currencies, including the euro, yen and sterling, as a result of its being pegged to the US dollar, is expected to broaden the non-oil export sector. Currently, base metals from companies such as DUBAL dominate non-oil manufactured exports, but cement, pharmaceuticals, corrugated cartons, scrap metal, snack foods, plastic products, paints, lubricants and chemicals are quickly becoming significant contributors. As Dubai continues to diversify its economy, synergies are being developed across industries allowing linkages between sectors. Once projects like the Dolphin Gas project (an underwater gas pipeline from Qatar) kick in, the resulting increase in cheaper and abundant energy will herald a new industrial era for Dubai, with many projects already lined up and waiting for the gas to start flowing Major entities that have been established in Dubai DUBAL DUBAL is the largest single site aluminium smelter in the western world, covering 480 hectares. The company was established in 1979 under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and over the ensuing years has become a leading global aluminium producer. Generating a total volume of 861,000 metric tonnes of quality metal in 2006, DUBAL is the largest non-oil contributor to the economy.
http://www.dubal.ae/
DUTCO Founded by the late Yousuf Baker in 1947, the Dutco Group of Companies is one of the oldest business organizations in the United Arab Emirates, where it has a long and distinguished history. The company has a wide range of activities, including construction, hotels and leisure, manufacturing, freights and trading, and oil and gas.
www.dutco.com DUGAS DUGAS, wholly owned by the Government of Dubai, was set up in 1977 and its Jebel Ali processing plant was inaugurated on April 22nd, 1980 by H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The company produces and exports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and continually introduce scientific innovations that reduce the ecological imprint of industry in the region.
http://www.sheikhhamdan.ae/english/chairmans hip/dugas.htm Dubai Dry-docks The international and regional shipyard of choice for ship repair, conversion, new building, oil rig repairs, offshore fabrication, afloat repairs and industrial services. Dubai Dry-docks have 2,500 metres of repair berths capable of accommodating 8 U.L.C.C.s.
http://www.drydocks.gov.ae/ ENOC ENOC is a wholly owned company of the Dubai government. Established in 1993, its diverse activities include refining, shipping and terminalling, and a wide range of retail projects including petrol stations and lines of automotive petroleum products. The company employs a workforce in excess of 3,800 staff of different nationalities across 28 companies.
http://www.enoc.com EPPCO A joint venture between ENOC and Caltex, the Emirates Petroleum Products Company (EPPCO) LLC operates across a variety of sectors, including petroleum retailing, aviation refuelling, lubricants marketing and terminalling. EPPCO has a network of over 120 service stations across Dubai and the Northern Emirates supplemented by 24-hour Star Mart convenience stores, mini-marts, car washes and Quick Lube outlets. EPPCO also runs the ENOC network of 30 service stations, Tasjeel car registration and the FixPlus vehicle servicing centres.
www.eppcouae.com Dubai Holding Dubai Holding currently has 19 companies operating in a variety of sectors, including
health, technology, finance, real estate, research, education, tourism, energy, communication, industrial manufacturing, biotechnology and hospitality. These companies include: Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubailand, Dubai International Capital, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Properties, Dubai International Properties, Dubai Investment Group, Dubai Energy, Dubai Knowledge Village. Dubai Holding is also looking to expand its interests into Tunisia, Malta and Pakistan.
www.dubaiholding.com Nakheel Nakheel originated in the late 1990s after H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum recognized one of Dubai's most attractive features was its pristine beaches. The idea for the iconic Palm development came from a desire to maximize beachfront living and was launched in 2001. Originally the Palm was its own separate company, however the launch of the second Palm (Jebel Ali) made expansion necessary and Nakheel was born in 2003. The company's portfolio now currently extends to 15 projects.
www.nakheel.ae Emaar Founded in 1997, Emaar has several real estate projects in various stages of completion. The company has witnessed tremendous growth since its inception in 1997 and boasts a rapidly growing tenant base with more than 13,000 homes already handed over. Emaar has also begun construction of one of the world's most ambitious projects, the AED73 billion (US$20 billion) Burj Dubai Downtown. The Burj Dubai will be the world's tallest tower when it is completed in 2008. Emaar also has joint ventures and projects across the region, covering India, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Syria, Pakistan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
www.emaar.com DU-Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company In February 2006, EITC was launched as the competitor to the state-owned Etisalat and has been popular with investors ever since. Their license grants the right to install, operate and manage a public telecom network providing services across the United Arab Emirates. Introducing a second telecom operator enabled the UAE government to realize its vision of providing competition to one of the most significant, dynamic and vital sectors.
http://www.du.ae/
210
Best of Dubai
Best of Industry.qxd
Best of Dubai
12/9/06
211
10:07 AM
Page 4
TCOM - Matt.qxp
12/9/06
10:58 AM
Page 1
Dubai Internet City Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides a knowledge economy ecosystem designed to support the business development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East's biggest ICT infrastructure, built inside a free trade zone. DIC is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in a vast region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, and from Africa to the CIS countries, covering 2 billion people with a GDP of $6.7 trillion. Almost all the global ICT giants have a base in DIC including Microsoft, Oracle, HP, IBM, Dell, Siemens, Canon, Logica, Sony Ericsson, Schlumberger and Cisco, as well as many small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures. The ICT cluster in Dubai Internet City comprises companies from various sectors: software development, business services, ecommerce, consultancy and sales and marketing. DIC provides an environment that attracts most elements of the value chain for an ICT business. In addition, it has developed programmes that can be leveraged by the ICT community to explore and expand channel and business development opportunities. The cluster of ICT companies in DIC comprises Software Development, Business Services, Web Based & e-Commerce, Consultancy, Sales & Marketing and Back Office Operations. Currently there are over 850 companies operating out of DIC. In line with Dubai's liberal economic policies and regulations, DIC offers foreign companies 100 per cent tax-free ownership, 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, easy registration and licensing, stringent cyber regulations, and protection of intellectual property. One of DIC's key facilities for new market entrants is firststeps@DIC. The facility offers short-term offices to companies looking to have a temporary, cost-effective base to explore the regional market before setting up a full-fledged office. Many established companies and entrepreneurial ventures from around the world have leveraged firststeps to establish a foothold in the market before going on to establish larger permanent offices. www.dubaiinternetcity.com
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
2:56 PM
Page 2
Dubai Media City Strategically located in Dubai at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City (DMC) has rapidly emerged as a global media hub. DMC provides an advanced infrastructure and supportive environment for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai. DMC is a place where every kind of media business can operate with collective synergy, including media and marketing services, printing and publishing, music, film, new media, leisure and entertainment, broadcasting and information agencies. Since its inception, Dubai Media City has grown impressively. The list of DMC-based companies today reads like a who's who of the global media industry. The community includes global media giants such as Reuters, CNN, CNBC, MBC, Sony, Showtime and Bertelsmann. Dubai Media City has also set up Media Business Centres to promote talent and entrepreneurship in the region. These unique facilities are targeted at freelancers and independent media professionals. Freelancers find the Centres an ideal base for gaining visibility and building relationships with the media industry. Being a dedicated media zone, DMC ensures that all media businesses are given the "Freedom to Create". The advanced infrastructure, support services, freedom of capital movement, tax-free income and easy access to markets rich with untapped opportunities makes DMC the ideal base for productive media businesses. June 2001 saw the launch of the Ibda'a Media Student Awards, an annual event held by Dubai Media City to recognize and foster young media talent in the region. The Ibda'a Awards cover a range of media-related categories. Under the auspices of Dubai Media City, Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) was launched in December 2004. DIFF showcased 76 films from around the world at six venues in Dubai, and attracted international celebrities and an audience of 40,000 people. www.dubaimediacity.com
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
11:10 AM
Page 3
Dubai Knowledge Village Dubai Knowledge Village (KV), launched in September 2003, provides an advanced infrastructure and environment for a variety of organisations to create and disseminate knowledge. Its mission is to create a vibrant, connected learning community to develop the region's talent pool and accelerate its move into the knowledge economy. As a leading centre for knowledge, KV has attracted prominent international universities from Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, UK, Ireland and Canada. KV seeks to provide the right environment for the development of scholarship, education, training, creativity, innovation, R&D and entrepreneurial expertise. It offers a unique campus ambience with a creatively stimulating and welcoming atmosphere for students, professionals, teachers, instructors and researchers to interact. KV is also equipped with a business centre, providing modern facilities for freelancers and start-up entities in the education, training and learning sectors. There are currently 16 prominent international universities from different countries operating at the Knowledge Village. These include The University of Wollongong in Dubai, from Australia, Middlesex University Dubai Campus, from UK and S.P Jain Centre of Management Dubai, from India among others. These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programmes on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes. In addition to universities and institutions of higher education the Knowledge Village also plays host to more than 350 global and regional training centres which include human resource development centres, professional training institutes, R&D organisations, innovation centres and e-learning companies. Several internationally renowned institutions of higher education will be based at the new campus of Dubai Knowledge Village in the Academic City. The new campus will give students access to an even wider range of degrees and programmes, all from one location. www.kv.ae
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
11:11 AM
Page 4
Dubai International Media Production Zone IMPZ: A call to the 3P fraternity across the world Dubai's International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) seeks to create a unique cluster environment for media production companies from across the industry value chain, and from across the world, to interact and collaborate effectively. Catering exclusively to companies in the 3P industries - Printing, Publishing and Packaging - IMPZ is an initiative of the visionary Dubai government, under the patronage of parent company, Dubai Holding. As a master developer, IMPZ will provide an environment of growth by building key facilities, investing in infrastructure, and forming a unique free zone that incorporates industrial, commercial, residential and community service projects under its mantle. The vast complex will be housed on a territory of over 43 million square feet of land, in the heart of commercial Dubai. Key investments IMPZ has committed to an initial investment of approximately US$ 280 million and it is expected that tenants in the printing and packaging business will invest a further US$ 280 million in machinery alone. Irresistible advantages The IMPZ initiative is designed to bring a wide range of benefits to the industry. As with other free zones in Dubai, companies joining IMPZ can avail of 100 per cent ownership and will be exempt from almost all corporate and personal taxes including those for machinery, equipment, raw materials and spares utilised by the industry. Furthermore, rules governing media production have been simplified to provide maximum ease of operations. The concept of clusters offered by IMPZ will allow print companies to coordinate production activities efficiently with feeder companies like machinery and equipment providers and suppliers of raw materials and spares. For small and medium-sized businesses, the time and costs involved in sourcing requirements will be considerably reduced, as they can avail of several shared services. www.impz.ae
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
11:13 AM
Page 5
Dubai Studio City Dubai Studio City (DSC), officially announced in Feb, 2005, will offer a complete technical and community infrastructure catering to the film and TV production industries. To be built within Dubailand, DSC aims to attract production companies and a wide range of support services, including providers of animation, dubbing, makeup, costume design, stage design and building, casting, telnet agencies, telecine and laboratory facilities. DSC will feature pre-built studios, sound stages, workshops, backlots and stage areas, a broadcast centre housing offices and post-production studios, and a business centre for freelancers. The cluster will also house a film academy, location approval services, entertainment and retail spaces, and hotels and residential facilities to accommodate crews and casts. DSC's Location Approval Services (LAS) will provide a single window for applying for production permits and visas. A fast-track immigration process will enable crews to obtain visas quickly. This service will allow companies to recruit talent easily. In addition, flexible labour laws will ensure that the industry's needs for parttime and temporary requirements are met. DSC's infrastructure will allow a film to be shot right from the start to the finish; all in one location. Every aspect of film making including scripting, casting, pre-production, filming in exotic locations, editing, sound recording, visual animation, processing and distribution will be catered to within the DSC enclave. Companies can lease office space and studios as well as plots of land to build their own infrastructure. There are three types of spaces available on lease: Commercial offices, Boutique studios and Residential. Business partners are also invited to build residential complexes, hotels, leisure and entertainment centres (shopping malls, museums, cineplexes) and sound stages. www.dubaistudiocity.com
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
11:13 AM
Page 6
Dubai Outsource Zone Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ), the world's first free zone dedicated to the outsourcing industry, offers an appropriate base for both captive and third-party outsourcing operations to provide mid and high-end services in areas such as finance, accounting, IT, payroll processing, engineering, R&D and design. DOZ also serves as a centre for off-shore disaster recovery facilities besides catering to off-shoring requirements from Europe, the US and the region. The custom-made facilities offered in the Zone, including next-generation telecom infrastructure, office space in intelligent buildings, and facilities management, enable outsourcing companies to set up efficient operations. The package of telecom services include reliable and redundant high-bandwidth connectivity, IP telephony, Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and predictive dialing systems, satellite communication services as well as technical and infrastructure support. These facilities form part of a plugand-play infrastructure which helps offshore service providers start operations quickly with minimal upfront investment. A Location Assessment Study conducted by AT Kearney ranked DOZ among the three top offshore locations in the world. The research takes into account Dubai's traditional strength in attracting cost-effective talent from a skill-rich region spreading across the Indian Sub-continent, Philippines, Levant, Africa, Middle East and Iran. Businesses operating out of DOZ enjoy the following benefits -
Lower salary expense 100 per cent tax free environment for 50 years Absence of corporate tax No income tax No customs duty 100 per cent foreign ownership Full currency convertibility No Red Tape - Quick and Simplified Licensing, Incorporation and Visa Processing Customised Plug-and-Play Infrastructure Transparent Laws and One-Stop Shop of Business services No Restriction on Profit or Capital Repatriation Stringent Attrition Law Reduced Real Estate Cost www.doz.ae
TCOM-Matt_L1.qxd
12/9/06
11:14 AM
Page 7
DuBiotech The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), launched in February 2005 is the region's first and foremost science and business park dedicated entirely to the global life science industry. DuBiotech aims to be the central hub for all life science industries for the greater Middle East. DuBiotech offers a vibrant environment for key players of such industries to thrive within their sphere of activity. The park offers drug manufacturers and industry specific service providers all the support needed to make their presence at DuBiotech an efficient and effective process. Such service providers include suppliers of laboratory equipment and reagents, Venture Capital firms, design consultants, etc. With its award winning designed headquarter and its state-of-the-art laboratory complexes, DuBiotech additionally offers an unique environment where companies can truly capture and serve their target market in a setting that reflects DuBiotech's dedication to exceptional architecture and practicality with an emphasis towards the requirements of life science companies. A central focus of DuBiotech is research, and to support the drive toward setting a park dedicated to research excellence, DuBiotech has established the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI). The FRI will initially focus on medical, industrial, environmental and agricultural biotechnology. DuBiotech is governed by world class regulations in line with those applied to the top life science clusters globally. The UAE Ministry of Health has also been a close partner to further enhance life science regulations at the federal level. Intellectual property (IP) protection is at the core of the life science industry. As such, by working closely with the industry, federal authorities and world IP bodies, DuBiotech will ensure that existing IP laws and regulations are strictly enforced. DuBiotech attaches considerable importance to Intellectual Property issues, considering the sensitive nature of work done within this industry. As part of TECOM's corporate social responsibility, all DuBiotech's buildings are to be classified as LEED certified 'Green' buildings. This extends not only to the headquarter and laboratory complexes, but also the manufacturing and community services buildings that will be part of the park. The headquarter building, once completed, is expected to be one of the largest 'Green' buildings globally. Our unique environment also includes an animal reserve spread over 500,000 square feet, where some animal species indigenous to the region will roam freely. www.dubiotech.com
TCOM - Matt1.qxp
12/11/06
3:16 PM
Page 1
TAKtical Raises the Bar, not just Capital In today's global and increasingly volatile economy, successful businesses have to thrive in a dynamic marketplace. In this environment, passive investments often result in unpredictable returns. To meet this challenge, international holding company, TAKtical International, has established a global footprint and various entities to take advantage of global opportunities that present themselves.
Based in Dubai, the principals of TAKtical have leveraged their extensive and established relationships with hedge funds, ultra high net worth individuals, merchant families and an array of other financial institutions, particularly in the Middle East, to identify unique investment opportunities around the globe. The abundant liquidity of the Middle Eastern region, coupled with the company's extensive network, ensures a unique ability to rapidly react to these opportunities as they present themselves. Although TAKtical has built a respectable clientele around the globe, over the past few years, particular emphasis has been given to its Middle Eastern clientele. This special relationship has come about due to recent economic shifts in the region brought about by increasing oil prices and the corresponding strong economic growth. The majority of the investments TAKtical has recently targeted have been in regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Greater China. With interests in industries including financial services, real estate, media and entertainment, technology and healthcare, the TAKtical team brings together more the 30 years of collective international experience for providing corporate finance, management consulting, marketing and branding strategies and international growth strategic planning. So successful has this team been that the last decade has seen them manage over USD400 million in transactions. With a list of previous initiatives that has seen them undertake business in locations including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Korea, China, and Taiwan, the company also boasts a multinational in-house team of English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Farsi, Croatian and Urdu/Hindi speakers, so that clients from all parts of the world can rest assured that a partnership with TAKtical strengthens every opportunity and will open countless new doors. Tel.: +9714 367 1890 www.taktical.com
Best of Dubai
219
1/4/2007
Corporate Profiles
Tejari.qxp
2:41 PM
Page 1
The Middle East online marketplace “IT Literacy and education go hand in hand with our growth strategy.”
Omar Hijazi (centre), Tejari’s CEO, receiving the prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award from UAE’s Minister of Finance and Dubai’s Deputy Ruler Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right), while being accompanied by Tejari’s Marketing Director Abdullah Salman (left).
Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer
Capitalising on the explosion of e-commerce worldwide, the launch of Tejari in June 2000 has dramatically changed the way this region does business. With an online presence in seven countries and further plans to be in at least 18 countries by 2008, the e-marketplace and regional pioneer in electronic procurement has been a success story from the beginning. Providing an online meeting point for buyers and sellers of goods and services, Tejari offers buyers access to a range of commodities covering oil and gas, building and construction, healthcare, information technology and more. By allowing companies access to online catalogues, create tenders, receive and award business online and perform spot purchases, paper-based administrative costs are reduced and corporate efficiency is immediately improved. With trading partners exceeding 60,000 organisations, which have negotiated over 55,000 online Auctions valued at more than $3 billion, buyers on Tejari have carried out over 85,000 electronic purchase orders. In addition, Tejari was the first company in the world to upgrade to the latest version of Oracle Exchange, a facility providing members with a multitude of new tools and features essential to efficiently manage e-commerce transactions. Valuable business model notwithstanding, this growth has also been aided by its franchise partnership model. This has allowed Tejari to rapidly expand into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon. Simply put, Tejari businesses in each country function as 100 per cent locally-owned entities, ensuring that issues of time zone, language and currency are eradicated. Ensuring excellence, partners are selected for their strong local knowledge, management expertise and extensive business networks. This powerful strategy is facilitating Tejari’s aggressive plans to extend across the Middle East, Africa, the Subcontinent, Far East and Central Europe too. Education has been key to Tejari’s success. “IT literacy and education go
220
Best of Dubai
Tejari highlighted on the cover of Superbrands’ publication; having won the award for three years in a row.
Best of Dubai
221
hand in hand with our growth strategy”, said Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer, the successor of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy as Tejari’s CEO in July of 2005. “In countries where ecommerce is on the national agenda and Internet penetration is high, our franchise has grown quickly. The real challenge exists in getting lesser-developed countries in the region up to speed with the vast potential of e-commerce.” Whilst the UAE has been ahead of the game regionally, it still has a long way to go in terms of its online transaction culture. “Electronic transactions must be as good as paper for us to reach our full potential”, said Hijazi, who brings 20 years of knowhow to the organisation through his experience with the world’s largest CPG firms as well as Ernst and Young LLP and A.T. Kearney, Inc, amongst others. “In some countries, we have even pushed for legislative reform to facilitate ecommerce activity,” he added. In November 2005, Tejari was a key participant in the first GCC E-Commerce Conference and Exhibition. Topics discussed included drafting a unified Gulf e-commerce law, developing e-payment and unifying online governmental purchase orders. “A whole series of government initiatives has been introduced to help boost Internet and broadband penetration across the region”, said Hijazi. “Tejari is committed to the technological development of the UAE and aims not only to share its expertise, but to help local governments in their efforts to advance electronically.” With an M.B.A in Finance and years in business in the US, Hijazi represents the new breed of highly skilled technocrat that the Middle East is successfully wooing back to the region. He has been inspired by Dubai’s
appetite for growth and general aggressiveness across all sectors. “Dubai shares a similar passion with the US in terms of growth and development. I truly believe that the next global suite of companies will come from this Emirate. Dubai Ports World and Emaar, for example, are just the just tip of the iceberg”, Hijazi explained. An increased focus on services and continued expansion are amongst Tejari’s top priorities. ‘Tejari Consulting’ was launched last year to enable trading partners around the region to optimise their supplier base. ‘Tejari Connect’ was introduced to offer backend systems integration, whilst ‘My Tejari’ was brought in to provide members with a personalised website including alerts and content facilities. Tejari is also working to develop industry-specific solutions for the different sectors it represents. In addition, ‘My Link Dubai’ was successfully launched with the Dubai Economic Department whereby Tejari helped bring in over 70,000 companies online. Creative solutions as well as rational planning and innovation have ensured that Tejari maintains substantial yearly growth. This means that it has never been short of recognition, with some 20 awards overall, ranging from the Gulf Brand of the Decade Award, World Summit Best Content Award and the Superbrands Award three years consecutively. Tejari also received the Dubai Quality Award, an honour reserved for only the best organisations in the region. Clearly, Tejari is the leading business-tobusiness online marketplace in the Middle East, and will continue to play a fundamental role in propelling regional economies into the Internet age. Tel.: +9714 391 3777 www.tejari.com
1/4/2007
Corporate Profiles
Tejari.qxp
2:41 PM
Page 1
The Middle East online marketplace “IT Literacy and education go hand in hand with our growth strategy.”
Omar Hijazi (centre), Tejari’s CEO, receiving the prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Award from UAE’s Minister of Finance and Dubai’s Deputy Ruler Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right), while being accompanied by Tejari’s Marketing Director Abdullah Salman (left).
Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer
Capitalising on the explosion of e-commerce worldwide, the launch of Tejari in June 2000 has dramatically changed the way this region does business. With an online presence in seven countries and further plans to be in at least 18 countries by 2008, the e-marketplace and regional pioneer in electronic procurement has been a success story from the beginning. Providing an online meeting point for buyers and sellers of goods and services, Tejari offers buyers access to a range of commodities covering oil and gas, building and construction, healthcare, information technology and more. By allowing companies access to online catalogues, create tenders, receive and award business online and perform spot purchases, paper-based administrative costs are reduced and corporate efficiency is immediately improved. With trading partners exceeding 60,000 organisations, which have negotiated over 55,000 online Auctions valued at more than $3 billion, buyers on Tejari have carried out over 85,000 electronic purchase orders. In addition, Tejari was the first company in the world to upgrade to the latest version of Oracle Exchange, a facility providing members with a multitude of new tools and features essential to efficiently manage e-commerce transactions. Valuable business model notwithstanding, this growth has also been aided by its franchise partnership model. This has allowed Tejari to rapidly expand into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Lebanon. Simply put, Tejari businesses in each country function as 100 per cent locally-owned entities, ensuring that issues of time zone, language and currency are eradicated. Ensuring excellence, partners are selected for their strong local knowledge, management expertise and extensive business networks. This powerful strategy is facilitating Tejari’s aggressive plans to extend across the Middle East, Africa, the Subcontinent, Far East and Central Europe too. Education has been key to Tejari’s success. “IT literacy and education go
220
Best of Dubai
Tejari highlighted on the cover of Superbrands’ publication; having won the award for three years in a row.
Best of Dubai
221
hand in hand with our growth strategy”, said Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer, the successor of Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy as Tejari’s CEO in July of 2005. “In countries where ecommerce is on the national agenda and Internet penetration is high, our franchise has grown quickly. The real challenge exists in getting lesser-developed countries in the region up to speed with the vast potential of e-commerce.” Whilst the UAE has been ahead of the game regionally, it still has a long way to go in terms of its online transaction culture. “Electronic transactions must be as good as paper for us to reach our full potential”, said Hijazi, who brings 20 years of knowhow to the organisation through his experience with the world’s largest CPG firms as well as Ernst and Young LLP and A.T. Kearney, Inc, amongst others. “In some countries, we have even pushed for legislative reform to facilitate ecommerce activity,” he added. In November 2005, Tejari was a key participant in the first GCC E-Commerce Conference and Exhibition. Topics discussed included drafting a unified Gulf e-commerce law, developing e-payment and unifying online governmental purchase orders. “A whole series of government initiatives has been introduced to help boost Internet and broadband penetration across the region”, said Hijazi. “Tejari is committed to the technological development of the UAE and aims not only to share its expertise, but to help local governments in their efforts to advance electronically.” With an M.B.A in Finance and years in business in the US, Hijazi represents the new breed of highly skilled technocrat that the Middle East is successfully wooing back to the region. He has been inspired by Dubai’s
appetite for growth and general aggressiveness across all sectors. “Dubai shares a similar passion with the US in terms of growth and development. I truly believe that the next global suite of companies will come from this Emirate. Dubai Ports World and Emaar, for example, are just the just tip of the iceberg”, Hijazi explained. An increased focus on services and continued expansion are amongst Tejari’s top priorities. ‘Tejari Consulting’ was launched last year to enable trading partners around the region to optimise their supplier base. ‘Tejari Connect’ was introduced to offer backend systems integration, whilst ‘My Tejari’ was brought in to provide members with a personalised website including alerts and content facilities. Tejari is also working to develop industry-specific solutions for the different sectors it represents. In addition, ‘My Link Dubai’ was successfully launched with the Dubai Economic Department whereby Tejari helped bring in over 70,000 companies online. Creative solutions as well as rational planning and innovation have ensured that Tejari maintains substantial yearly growth. This means that it has never been short of recognition, with some 20 awards overall, ranging from the Gulf Brand of the Decade Award, World Summit Best Content Award and the Superbrands Award three years consecutively. Tejari also received the Dubai Quality Award, an honour reserved for only the best organisations in the region. Clearly, Tejari is the leading business-tobusiness online marketplace in the Middle East, and will continue to play a fundamental role in propelling regional economies into the Internet age. Tel.: +9714 391 3777 www.tejari.com
Corporate Profiles
A Generation Ahead Devoted to the world of luxury lifestyle, Time Machine Group stands for optimum performance and enduring quality.
Mike and Prakash with their father Jaikishin Bhojwani
As a holding company, the Group is involved in various sectors of trade and commerce. It identifies potential business opportunities and nurtures them into successful and recognized business entities. Armed with a thorough local knowledge, Time Machine Group (TMG) has maintained a remarkable reputation in the corporate world. This has allowed it to engender numerous independent, leading and successfully operating companies in the region. TMG acts as a pure venture capitalist looking for diverse business activities to invest in. The Group identifies creative business ideas, studies their viability, hunts for human capital, injects seed capital and extends its central support services to commence operations, and developing ideal strategies for business growth. The Group's primary focus is on quality and excellence. A vision to be the 'ambassador of luxury lifestyle' in the Middle East and South Asia sets the pace for a mission to establish the Group as a forerunner in providing the highest quality product and service in all areas of business. This in turn highlights the governing philosophy to surpass the highest standards of quality and attention to detail in every aspect of life. In 1975, Chairman, Jaikishin B Bhojwani began business in Dubai. Through sheer hard work, dedication and a burning desire to succeed, he built it into a sizable and wellrespected enterprise. TMG is currently headed by Vice-Chairman and President Prakash Bojwani. A visionary with strong business acumen, Prakash is well known for his knack of identifying potential new business ventures and turning them into success stories. As the CEO of the Group, Mike J Bhojwani, younger brother of Prakash, believes strongly in the saying, "The stronger the challenge, the greater the glory." His current challenge is to position Time Machine Group, among the ‘TOP 10’ companies in the UAE. With the group's structured and integrated business plans, coupled with a core team of professionals willing to go that extra mile, a bright future looms ahead.
222
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
223
TMG profit centres: Bhojwani Investments Corporation identifies business ventures that display middle to long term potential. It acts as a venture capitalist, scanning the market for new, different and unique opportunities and ideas. It offers financial support and expert advice to nurture them into prosperous independently operating entities. George V Leisure & Hospitality LLC is undoubtedly the leading food & beverage expert in the Middle East region. Specialists at creating hospitality and entertainment concepts, the company sets up and manages a number of top class lounges, restaurants, clubs and coffee shops. These include restaurant and lounges The Loft and Lotus One, Modern Japanese restaurant'Itsu', The Grind - Living Room Café and Coffee Convention a self service café. Beauty & Wellness division has world famous Franck Provost - Paris that renders impeccable services in the sphere of beauty care and hairdressing. Spark Time is a high energy Brand Communication Agency that draws its strength from its team's vast experience in the local and international markets. They provide strategic and innovative marketing solutions based on thorough research analysis. The areas of expertise being, advertising, public relations & promotions, multimedia, media buying, loyalty card programs, Innovative special projects and Emarketing. Time Machine Media deals with indoor and outdoor media. It's indoor advertising portfolio comprises indoor LED's, multicircuits and wall mounted plasma screens. The company is committed to develop high-end out-of-home advertising opportunities generating a dynamic impact for the brand image, thus making selling most effective and more original. Time Machine Realty the real estate company that specializes in the acquisition, development, marketing and sale of elite properties globally, with its current focus on the dynamic and emerging Dubai market. It primarily acts as a real estate advisory,
consultancy and facilitator for introducing regional developers to the international markets. With a presence in Australia, India, Pakistan and London, the team brings with them over 20 years of expert real estate experience. Time Machine Properties handles property broking, property management and E property. Venetian Interior Décor targets a niche market in interior design. The qualities that set the company apart from all others are in-house design and conceptualizing facility and team, boutique showroom, joinery and woodwork factory and a soft furnishing factory. The company handles classic residential styling, contemporary décor and design, retail outlets, specialized boutiques and hospitality projects. International Brands Retailers & Distributors (IBRD), has been conceived from its inception to embark on a quest to proudly represent a portfolio of hand-picked premium brands from some of the world's finest luxury houses across the MESA region. The company optimizes the retail brand equity of each one of its carefully chosen brands via selected channel distribution that matches the perception with the international criterion of the selected brands. Time Machine Corporate Advisors acts as a financial advisor to investors seeking to enhance their return on investments from new business ventures. The company offers consultants an exclusive range of advisory services that keeps the decision maker informed. It also offers bespoke consultation services and can undertake independent research for media and other organizations interested in the latest hotel, tourism, leisure and real estate developments in the rapidly emerging region. Professional services include, business structuring and financials, concept and development planning, development strategies, market financial feasibility studies and strategic planning. Tel.: +9714 304 6444 www.timemachineworld.com
Corporate Profiles
A Generation Ahead Devoted to the world of luxury lifestyle, Time Machine Group stands for optimum performance and enduring quality.
Mike and Prakash with their father Jaikishin Bhojwani
As a holding company, the Group is involved in various sectors of trade and commerce. It identifies potential business opportunities and nurtures them into successful and recognized business entities. Armed with a thorough local knowledge, Time Machine Group (TMG) has maintained a remarkable reputation in the corporate world. This has allowed it to engender numerous independent, leading and successfully operating companies in the region. TMG acts as a pure venture capitalist looking for diverse business activities to invest in. The Group identifies creative business ideas, studies their viability, hunts for human capital, injects seed capital and extends its central support services to commence operations, and developing ideal strategies for business growth. The Group's primary focus is on quality and excellence. A vision to be the 'ambassador of luxury lifestyle' in the Middle East and South Asia sets the pace for a mission to establish the Group as a forerunner in providing the highest quality product and service in all areas of business. This in turn highlights the governing philosophy to surpass the highest standards of quality and attention to detail in every aspect of life. In 1975, Chairman, Jaikishin B Bhojwani began business in Dubai. Through sheer hard work, dedication and a burning desire to succeed, he built it into a sizable and wellrespected enterprise. TMG is currently headed by Vice-Chairman and President Prakash Bojwani. A visionary with strong business acumen, Prakash is well known for his knack of identifying potential new business ventures and turning them into success stories. As the CEO of the Group, Mike J Bhojwani, younger brother of Prakash, believes strongly in the saying, "The stronger the challenge, the greater the glory." His current challenge is to position Time Machine Group, among the ‘TOP 10’ companies in the UAE. With the group's structured and integrated business plans, coupled with a core team of professionals willing to go that extra mile, a bright future looms ahead.
222
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
223
TMG profit centres: Bhojwani Investments Corporation identifies business ventures that display middle to long term potential. It acts as a venture capitalist, scanning the market for new, different and unique opportunities and ideas. It offers financial support and expert advice to nurture them into prosperous independently operating entities. George V Leisure & Hospitality LLC is undoubtedly the leading food & beverage expert in the Middle East region. Specialists at creating hospitality and entertainment concepts, the company sets up and manages a number of top class lounges, restaurants, clubs and coffee shops. These include restaurant and lounges The Loft and Lotus One, Modern Japanese restaurant'Itsu', The Grind - Living Room Café and Coffee Convention a self service café. Beauty & Wellness division has world famous Franck Provost - Paris that renders impeccable services in the sphere of beauty care and hairdressing. Spark Time is a high energy Brand Communication Agency that draws its strength from its team's vast experience in the local and international markets. They provide strategic and innovative marketing solutions based on thorough research analysis. The areas of expertise being, advertising, public relations & promotions, multimedia, media buying, loyalty card programs, Innovative special projects and Emarketing. Time Machine Media deals with indoor and outdoor media. It's indoor advertising portfolio comprises indoor LED's, multicircuits and wall mounted plasma screens. The company is committed to develop high-end out-of-home advertising opportunities generating a dynamic impact for the brand image, thus making selling most effective and more original. Time Machine Realty the real estate company that specializes in the acquisition, development, marketing and sale of elite properties globally, with its current focus on the dynamic and emerging Dubai market. It primarily acts as a real estate advisory,
consultancy and facilitator for introducing regional developers to the international markets. With a presence in Australia, India, Pakistan and London, the team brings with them over 20 years of expert real estate experience. Time Machine Properties handles property broking, property management and E property. Venetian Interior Décor targets a niche market in interior design. The qualities that set the company apart from all others are in-house design and conceptualizing facility and team, boutique showroom, joinery and woodwork factory and a soft furnishing factory. The company handles classic residential styling, contemporary décor and design, retail outlets, specialized boutiques and hospitality projects. International Brands Retailers & Distributors (IBRD), has been conceived from its inception to embark on a quest to proudly represent a portfolio of hand-picked premium brands from some of the world's finest luxury houses across the MESA region. The company optimizes the retail brand equity of each one of its carefully chosen brands via selected channel distribution that matches the perception with the international criterion of the selected brands. Time Machine Corporate Advisors acts as a financial advisor to investors seeking to enhance their return on investments from new business ventures. The company offers consultants an exclusive range of advisory services that keeps the decision maker informed. It also offers bespoke consultation services and can undertake independent research for media and other organizations interested in the latest hotel, tourism, leisure and real estate developments in the rapidly emerging region. Professional services include, business structuring and financials, concept and development planning, development strategies, market financial feasibility studies and strategic planning. Tel.: +9714 304 6444 www.timemachineworld.com
Corporate Profiles
Prakash Bhojwani1.qxp
12/9/06
1:51 PM
Page 1
Recipe for Success Success is a journey, not a destination. 'Keep walking' - these are the guiding words that have been instrumental in shaping the growth and success of entrepreneur Prakash Bojwani.
224
Best of Dubai
Prakash Bhojwani1.qxp
12/9/06
1:52 PM
Page 2
Prakash Bojwani born with an urge to succeed has set a high vision in his life and holds a distinction created for himself within his rich urbane society. He has a craving drive to be outstanding and successful in every task that he pursues.
Prakash Bojwani receiving ‘Hind Rattan’ award from the former Prime Minister, Shri H. D. Deve Gowda
A prominent figure amongst elite society, his entrance calls for the attention of all those present around him be it at a business or social gathering. It is no wonder that this unique feature makes him most admired, noticed and respected amongst them. A noble and true man at heart he attributes his phenomenal success to the people in his company. As a straightforward person he believes that a man with a vision is bound to accomplish his mission. Prakash Bojwani shares his recipe for success.
Prakash Bojwani with Franck Provost
Prakash Bojwani with Ashoo Bhojwani
What is your business philosophy and how do you translate this into your work? With 'Nothing is impossible' being the core fundamental that I believe in, and strengthening it with the finest attention to detail, I have maintained extreme quality not just in my business but in my everyday life. Having been in the trading business and dissuaded from entering the hospitality business, would be a prime example where my core philosophy has come to the fore. My forthcoming project is a hotel in central Dubai which further demonstrates my philosophy. With a variety of Business interests you are involve in, how do you bring in synergies? I am passionate about being in the lifestyle business and hence the slogan 'Ambassador of luxury lifestyle'. My other business ventures are trading and distribution, real estate and construction and a business service sector. Given the influx of the varied nationalities into the country for tourism, employment and the spending power of the local population, the direction that I have taken into trading and distribution of luxury goods was obvious a natural one. Perfumes, cosmetics, accessories were an apparent choice. This has strong links with the media and advertising business that we are involved in. International quality, beauty and wellness, alongside hospitality, takes care of personal needs of niche targets and complemented with the high end interior décor unit has helped us make an entry into the homes of our high net worth clients. What uniqueness do you bring to the region? I have clearly identified opportunities and my experience in the businesses that I operate could well be described as forerunners and innovators in their fields, adding value to the city and the region. Good quality human capital is the ultimate resource that has given each unit strong momentum in their areas. Coming from across the globe, bringing their personal cultures and business interactions enhances the melting pot that Dubai is. We are proud of the fact that we employ 61 different nationalities.
Best of Dubai
225
You have always wanted to achieve with excellence, how do you stay a step ahead? With a strong attitude that - Good is not good enough when excellence is expected. Innovation is the key to success, how do you continue to build on unique brands? Having identified opportunities in Dubai, optimum use of human capital and modern technology helped us build unique brands. Our restaurants and clubs are the first in their categories with innovative cuisine, design and service levels. The interior décor and design services have been path breaking and irreplaceable. And, finally bringing world class beauty treatments into the country has given us an edge over other providers. Do you have any associations with the art and cultural world? I come from a culturally rich Indian heritage and it is further strengthened with my wife being an artist. I support her very strongly in everything that she does. My involvement with the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre further justifies my need to be associated with creative arts and forms. This is a non-profit theatre and arts centre for all communities and cultures, a centre where everyone can be entertained by and learn different art forms. It promotes both Arabic and international art and culture in Dubai, and the region. It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of this venture. What is your dream as an entrepreneur? Creating world class brands and achieving recognition from my family and my group, focusing on being a successful Chief Executive and building an empire that has a winning combination of automation that is driven by professionals. My inspiration comes from the great author Jim Collins' book 'Good to Great', where you understand how ‘good is the enemy of great’. Family values are deeply embedded in you; could you share some of them for us? My family is my most treasured possession, without them I would have never been able to attain my dreams. Success is not just a destination, it is a journey and you can never achieve it without integrity and honesty. This has been rooted in me by my parents. My guiding force has been my father who has taught me to take a long term attitude and approach to anything I do in my life. Although we are a diversified business house, I try not to lose the family touch in all that we do. Living in a joint family along with my father and younger brother and his family has not just ensured that we follow our Indian family values and traditions but ensure that they will also be rooted in the next generation. Lastly, but most importantly, it is my wife who is a source of constant encouragement, and my two daughters who are my shining stars of tomorrow. Tel: +971 4 304 6444 www.prakashbhojwani.com
Corporate Profiles
American Business Council1.qxp
12/9/06
2:22 PM
Page 1
As easy as ABC The UAE, Dubai in particular, has made no secret of its desire to bring big business into the country. In order to achieve this goal, developing a strong relationship with the world's business leaders is a must.
Washington Monument
226
Best of Dubai
American Business Council1.qxp
12/9/06
2:23 PM
Page 2
H. H. Sheikha Lubna Al Quasimi
Ambassador Michele Sison & Consul General Paul Sutphin
As the world's largest economy, no other country has attracted the attention of the local market as much as the US. Having the ability and knowledge to encourage US business into the UAE, has been of the utmost importance and this is where the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (ABC) has achieved so much. The ABC is a non-profit, voluntary association of individuals and companies seeking to promote commercial development and investment between the United States and the UAE. Comprised of American citizens currently working with approximately 500 US businesses in the region, the ABC is a vital forum for the exchange of ideas that helps foster a new understanding and spirit of cooperation between the American and international business communities. The ABC seeks to promote trade between the UAE and the USA and to further develop a safe and stable regional business environment where Americans and American businesses can prosper. The goal of the ABC is to raise the commercial profile of the American community in the Emirates, to encourage the UAE and the American community to become closer and more active together and to promote productive reviews of commercial issues in Washington to improve American commercial performance in the UAE region. ABC members are US citizens currently residing in the GCC who believe in free trade, equality of treatment of investment and fair dealing. The ABC also works closely with the American Business Council of Gulf Countries (ABCGC) and the United States Public Affairs Committee (USPAC), focusing on critical issues facing GCC Americans living and working abroad and maximizing their influence in the GCC. The ABC aims to educate, inform and encourage Americans to view the UAE as a model for other Middle East countries, as well as develop and provide a skilled workforce in a growing and maturing society. This
Best of Dubai
227
enhanced understanding is designed to improve the global business climate between the two nations, as well as increase outreach efforts in Dubai and the greater Middle East. Ultimately, it means building a solid base of American activity, interest, and participation in this economy, improving economic development, developing sound business and personal relationships, and encouraging more American businesses to come the Emirates. The ABC helps position America as a key player in the Middle East market and coordinates with other business groups to identify and resolve problems. The council works directly with the US and foreign Chambers of Commerce and business organizations, expressing the views of the local American business community to public and private interests in the United States. As a vehicle for expanding trade, the ABC heightens awareness of Dubai's commercial position in the Middle East among the American business community, encouraging individuals and organizations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to work on matters of mutual interest. ABC directors participate with a consortium of other Middle East AmChams (American Chambers of Commerce) and American Business Council of Gulf Countries (ABCGC) to energize initiatives and new developments, as well as hosting American Business Forums and Trade Missions to foster economic partnerships. Demonstrating a continued commitment to the Arab-American world for developing a channel framework to educate the global community, the ABC promotes stability and balanced growth in international trade and investment, which, in turn, facilitates a flourishing global economy through a healthy and symbiotic UAE-USA relationship. Tel.: +9714 340 7566 www.abcdubai.com
Corporate Profiles
The Alserkal Legacy A Pioneering past, An innovative When Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal founded the real estate and general trading company that bears his name back in 1947, little did he know the Alserkal Group would also play a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal is the founding father of Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. - a Real Estate and General Trading Company established in 1947. Mr. Alserkal not only established a highly reputable company but also played a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. He was instrumental in bringing the essential services such as Electricity and Telecommunications to this country. In fact, he was a founding member of the boards governing these two industries. Furthermore, when water was a scarce commodity, he ventured in the drilling of bore wells and the installation of water pumps and related equipment. In addition, he was the founder of several local banks and a supporter of the local market through heavy investment in local companies. Today, under the able administration of Mr. Eisa Bin Nasser Al-Serkal, the company has grown in diverse fields and invests heavily in the local and regional financial markets as it develops strong trade links throughout the GCC countries. This exponential growth has made the company a giant force to reckon with. Among the diverse interests of Alserkal Group are many international and regional industry leaders. The Bridgestone Division stocks a very large range of Bridgestone tyres to cater to the needs of customers in the UAE - major fleets and contraction companies as well as government departments supported by a well-developed network of dealers across Dubai and Northern Emirates. Apart from these dealers, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal also have a chain of its own retail outlets which provide the discerning motorist with technical advise and support on tyre selection, inflammation pressure and tyre care tips. Getting closer to the customer, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alsekal Est. introduced Dial A Tyre, a fully equipped mobile service van that will change and balance tyres and wheels at selected locations at no extra cost. Nasser bin Abdullatif has been recognized by Bridgestone as one of the most professional and dynamic distributors in the region and has twice won the prestigious “Best Distributor Award – Middle East and Africa” in recent years. The Real Estate Division owns, manages and maintains both commercial and residential properties in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Lebanon. The company offers villas, apartment complexes, office buildings and shopping centers and caters to all levels of people. The management has adopted a just, considerate and liberal rental policy. The Travel and Tourism Division operates Al Khayam Hotel, opened in 1978 in the heart of Dubai - Deira near the famous Gold Souk – a comfortable haven for both businessmen and leisure travelers. Eisa Travels has been in operation since 1980 and are the GSA for Royal Nepal Airlines and Ariana Afghan Airline in United Arab Emirates. It has two offices - the head office located on Airport Road and a branch office in Deira. The Shelving, Shopfitting and Flooring Division was established with Alserkal Shelves in 1975 and specializes in design, supply and installation of sophisticated material handling systems from the supply of pallet racking, drive-in, narrow aisle and mobile storage systems to simple and cost effective bolt free and slotted angles shelving. The company represents Arcoma, (KSA), Universal Storage Systems (South Africa), Dozhpad (Iran) and Nilkamal (India). The company also represents Kaindl (Austria), one of the largest
228
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
229
manufacturers of floorings from wood products. They also produce other products like laminated kitchen tops and other MDF/HDF products. The Off-site Storage and Management of Records and Magnetic Media Division was established by Mr. Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal with Metrofile-UAE in 1997. The company was set up as a joint venture between Alserkal Group (UAE) and Data Storage Technologies (South Africa). Data Storage Technologies owns Metrofile International; the global leader in “Off-Site Storage, Management Of Records And Magnetic Media”. The concept of off-site storage and management is fast gaining ground locally and is being driven by a surge of rental, labor and utility costs. Businesses both large and small are realizing that Metrofile’s services provide them with a real opportunity to cut costs and increase efficiency. The Engineering Division offers comprehensive Environmental Protection Solutions. One of the main services of the division is providing environmentally friendly waste treatment systems. The division is the Master Franchisee of Environmental Biotech Inc® (EBI) in the countries of UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. EBI is a company based in Florida, USA and are experts in the field of development and application of live vegetative bacteria harnessed to consume waste and convert it into harmless carbon dioxide and water. The Odor Control and Air Quality Systems Division focuses on designing and implementing solutions to address Odor Control concerns, Air Quality issues and Air Freshening needs. We are the sole distributors for Sager Industries in UAE and Oman. In addition, the division represents a host of leading companies from all over the world that design and produce Ozone Generators, Ionizers and Air Filters. The Equipment & Spare Parts Division has many international agencies like LISTER PETTER®, UK for Diesel Engines, DPF, India for pumps, Piaggio Vespa®, Italy for Scooters, Electrolux®, Sweden for gas/electric refrigerators, Skiold®, Denmark for grinding mills. The section re-exports most of these products to African countries. To provide better service the section maintains all the requisite parts for all the equipment it deals with. The Alserkal Ceramic Arts Division are the pioneers in services of artistic and decorative works. It was established in 1995 and has contributed in the revival of Islamic heritage in our region with handcrafted painting and decorations on ceramics to enhance the beauty of mosques, palaces, villas, hotels and institutions. The Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. staff are treated as individuals and all their contributing attributes are encouraged and developed. The concept of a “family concern” continues to facilitate the professional capacity and growth of each person, encouraging constant and useful exchange of ideas. Each and every person is made to feel like an integral part of a Team and plays a vital role to achieve the company’s objectives with excellence in customer services as the ultimate goal. The strong and professional administration team aims to continuously improve and develop the company’s organizational structure. Coordination of company policy, improvement and strengthening of internal communication amongst the various divisions helps keep the unity and pride of the group. The Group’s mission is to constantly improve customer service and customer relationships by keeping up to date with new trends in all industries, opening new areas of business and continuing to grow in the most efficient, profitable and responsible way. The company also ensures its international position by favoring business relations with foreign companies for joint ventures. Pioneering work has landed the company in a comfortable position today to emerge successfully into a modern and healthy tomorrow. To continue to have a constant thrust for new products in order to satisfy customer needs with products and services of superior quality is the company’s vision for the future. Tel.: +9714 339 4111 www.alserkal.com
Corporate Profiles
The Alserkal Legacy A Pioneering past, An innovative When Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal founded the real estate and general trading company that bears his name back in 1947, little did he know the Alserkal Group would also play a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal is the founding father of Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. - a Real Estate and General Trading Company established in 1947. Mr. Alserkal not only established a highly reputable company but also played a major role in the development of the United Arab Emirates. He was instrumental in bringing the essential services such as Electricity and Telecommunications to this country. In fact, he was a founding member of the boards governing these two industries. Furthermore, when water was a scarce commodity, he ventured in the drilling of bore wells and the installation of water pumps and related equipment. In addition, he was the founder of several local banks and a supporter of the local market through heavy investment in local companies. Today, under the able administration of Mr. Eisa Bin Nasser Al-Serkal, the company has grown in diverse fields and invests heavily in the local and regional financial markets as it develops strong trade links throughout the GCC countries. This exponential growth has made the company a giant force to reckon with. Among the diverse interests of Alserkal Group are many international and regional industry leaders. The Bridgestone Division stocks a very large range of Bridgestone tyres to cater to the needs of customers in the UAE - major fleets and contraction companies as well as government departments supported by a well-developed network of dealers across Dubai and Northern Emirates. Apart from these dealers, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal also have a chain of its own retail outlets which provide the discerning motorist with technical advise and support on tyre selection, inflammation pressure and tyre care tips. Getting closer to the customer, Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alsekal Est. introduced Dial A Tyre, a fully equipped mobile service van that will change and balance tyres and wheels at selected locations at no extra cost. Nasser bin Abdullatif has been recognized by Bridgestone as one of the most professional and dynamic distributors in the region and has twice won the prestigious “Best Distributor Award – Middle East and Africa” in recent years. The Real Estate Division owns, manages and maintains both commercial and residential properties in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Lebanon. The company offers villas, apartment complexes, office buildings and shopping centers and caters to all levels of people. The management has adopted a just, considerate and liberal rental policy. The Travel and Tourism Division operates Al Khayam Hotel, opened in 1978 in the heart of Dubai - Deira near the famous Gold Souk – a comfortable haven for both businessmen and leisure travelers. Eisa Travels has been in operation since 1980 and are the GSA for Royal Nepal Airlines and Ariana Afghan Airline in United Arab Emirates. It has two offices - the head office located on Airport Road and a branch office in Deira. The Shelving, Shopfitting and Flooring Division was established with Alserkal Shelves in 1975 and specializes in design, supply and installation of sophisticated material handling systems from the supply of pallet racking, drive-in, narrow aisle and mobile storage systems to simple and cost effective bolt free and slotted angles shelving. The company represents Arcoma, (KSA), Universal Storage Systems (South Africa), Dozhpad (Iran) and Nilkamal (India). The company also represents Kaindl (Austria), one of the largest
228
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
229
manufacturers of floorings from wood products. They also produce other products like laminated kitchen tops and other MDF/HDF products. The Off-site Storage and Management of Records and Magnetic Media Division was established by Mr. Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal with Metrofile-UAE in 1997. The company was set up as a joint venture between Alserkal Group (UAE) and Data Storage Technologies (South Africa). Data Storage Technologies owns Metrofile International; the global leader in “Off-Site Storage, Management Of Records And Magnetic Media”. The concept of off-site storage and management is fast gaining ground locally and is being driven by a surge of rental, labor and utility costs. Businesses both large and small are realizing that Metrofile’s services provide them with a real opportunity to cut costs and increase efficiency. The Engineering Division offers comprehensive Environmental Protection Solutions. One of the main services of the division is providing environmentally friendly waste treatment systems. The division is the Master Franchisee of Environmental Biotech Inc® (EBI) in the countries of UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. EBI is a company based in Florida, USA and are experts in the field of development and application of live vegetative bacteria harnessed to consume waste and convert it into harmless carbon dioxide and water. The Odor Control and Air Quality Systems Division focuses on designing and implementing solutions to address Odor Control concerns, Air Quality issues and Air Freshening needs. We are the sole distributors for Sager Industries in UAE and Oman. In addition, the division represents a host of leading companies from all over the world that design and produce Ozone Generators, Ionizers and Air Filters. The Equipment & Spare Parts Division has many international agencies like LISTER PETTER®, UK for Diesel Engines, DPF, India for pumps, Piaggio Vespa®, Italy for Scooters, Electrolux®, Sweden for gas/electric refrigerators, Skiold®, Denmark for grinding mills. The section re-exports most of these products to African countries. To provide better service the section maintains all the requisite parts for all the equipment it deals with. The Alserkal Ceramic Arts Division are the pioneers in services of artistic and decorative works. It was established in 1995 and has contributed in the revival of Islamic heritage in our region with handcrafted painting and decorations on ceramics to enhance the beauty of mosques, palaces, villas, hotels and institutions. The Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Est. staff are treated as individuals and all their contributing attributes are encouraged and developed. The concept of a “family concern” continues to facilitate the professional capacity and growth of each person, encouraging constant and useful exchange of ideas. Each and every person is made to feel like an integral part of a Team and plays a vital role to achieve the company’s objectives with excellence in customer services as the ultimate goal. The strong and professional administration team aims to continuously improve and develop the company’s organizational structure. Coordination of company policy, improvement and strengthening of internal communication amongst the various divisions helps keep the unity and pride of the group. The Group’s mission is to constantly improve customer service and customer relationships by keeping up to date with new trends in all industries, opening new areas of business and continuing to grow in the most efficient, profitable and responsible way. The company also ensures its international position by favoring business relations with foreign companies for joint ventures. Pioneering work has landed the company in a comfortable position today to emerge successfully into a modern and healthy tomorrow. To continue to have a constant thrust for new products in order to satisfy customer needs with products and services of superior quality is the company’s vision for the future. Tel.: +9714 339 4111 www.alserkal.com
"If the cart is politics and the horse is the economy then we have to put the horse before the cart and not the other way around". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 13 Banking & Finance
‘The Gate’ at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
"If the cart is politics and the horse is the economy then we have to put the horse before the cart and not the other way around". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 13 Banking & Finance
‘The Gate’ at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Banking & Finance
Al Mall Capital-4.qxp
12/26/2006
9:38 AM
Page 1
Investment Innovation As one of the region's most exciting new investment houses and experts in risk management, Al Mal Capital don't sign off on new projects without up-front due diligence and enthusiastic certainty about the project's potential success. Clearly, the 82 founder shareholders had confidence in the abilities of Naser Nabulsi and his top-notch team - drivers behind the region's increasingly dynamic and diverse financial sector.
Naser Nabulsi - Executive Chairman, Blair Look - Head of Asset Management, Khalid Madi - COO, Salvatore Alioto - Head of Investment Banking, Narendra Gajria - CFO
232
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
233
The high levels of liquidity witnessed in the Gulf, following 9/11 and in the wake of the Asian crisis and dot.com implosion, transformed economic prospects for the region and the UAE in particular but also highlighted the dearth of serious investment opportunities and the lack of relevant expertise in the local financial sector. The rationale behind Al Mal Capital was a product of this conundrum. In 2005 Executive Chairman Nabulsi, together with a hand-picked team of consummate banking professionals Khalid Madi (COO), Salvatore Alioto (Head of Investment Banking), Narendra Gajria (CFO) and Blair Look (Head of Asset Management) - developed Al Mal Capital's underlying concept and secured a license from the UAE Central Bank to operate as a fully fledged investment company and registered - in record speed - as a Private Joint Stock Company with the Ministry of Economy the same year. The seeds of this multi-line investment company, however, that aim to raise the bar on levels of service quality, integrity and corporate governance, were sown much earlier. In 1988, Nabulsi - a straighttalking, no nonsense investment banker set up the Merrill Lynch office in Dubai, staffed by a three-strong team. At that time, Merrill Lynch was undecided about the future prospect for long-term operations in the region. Nabulsi, who is described in business echelons as a "natural born deal-maker", quickly dispelled any doubts using his local knowledge to Merrill's best advantage. With strong existing regional relationships and a robust local expertise, Nabulsi was able to quickly establish strong working rapports, secure new business and build a local franchise. Within months, the local UAE branch was feeding business to various Merrill Lynch operations overseas. Nabulsi says that his experience taught him much about the underlying fundamentals of investment in the GCC and the need to understand the very unique but very rich "regional potential" and how to use various market instruments and sound economic and investment analysis to capture it. Moving upwards to even bigger challenges, Nabulsi was appointed as the CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre, (DIFC), a master planned 110acre free zone aspiring to become the world's newest international financial hub alongside the more solidly entrenched centres of New York, London and Hong Kong. Mainly serving the huge area between Western Europe and East Asia since it opened in 2004, Nabulsi acknowledges the power of the concept. "The DIFC is a milestone project that is set to transform Dubai and the region into a
Banking & Finance
Al Mall Capital-4.qxp
12/26/2006
9:38 AM
Page 1
Investment Innovation As one of the region's most exciting new investment houses and experts in risk management, Al Mal Capital don't sign off on new projects without up-front due diligence and enthusiastic certainty about the project's potential success. Clearly, the 82 founder shareholders had confidence in the abilities of Naser Nabulsi and his top-notch team - drivers behind the region's increasingly dynamic and diverse financial sector.
Naser Nabulsi - Executive Chairman, Blair Look - Head of Asset Management, Khalid Madi - COO, Salvatore Alioto - Head of Investment Banking, Narendra Gajria - CFO
232
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
233
The high levels of liquidity witnessed in the Gulf, following 9/11 and in the wake of the Asian crisis and dot.com implosion, transformed economic prospects for the region and the UAE in particular but also highlighted the dearth of serious investment opportunities and the lack of relevant expertise in the local financial sector. The rationale behind Al Mal Capital was a product of this conundrum. In 2005 Executive Chairman Nabulsi, together with a hand-picked team of consummate banking professionals Khalid Madi (COO), Salvatore Alioto (Head of Investment Banking), Narendra Gajria (CFO) and Blair Look (Head of Asset Management) - developed Al Mal Capital's underlying concept and secured a license from the UAE Central Bank to operate as a fully fledged investment company and registered - in record speed - as a Private Joint Stock Company with the Ministry of Economy the same year. The seeds of this multi-line investment company, however, that aim to raise the bar on levels of service quality, integrity and corporate governance, were sown much earlier. In 1988, Nabulsi - a straighttalking, no nonsense investment banker set up the Merrill Lynch office in Dubai, staffed by a three-strong team. At that time, Merrill Lynch was undecided about the future prospect for long-term operations in the region. Nabulsi, who is described in business echelons as a "natural born deal-maker", quickly dispelled any doubts using his local knowledge to Merrill's best advantage. With strong existing regional relationships and a robust local expertise, Nabulsi was able to quickly establish strong working rapports, secure new business and build a local franchise. Within months, the local UAE branch was feeding business to various Merrill Lynch operations overseas. Nabulsi says that his experience taught him much about the underlying fundamentals of investment in the GCC and the need to understand the very unique but very rich "regional potential" and how to use various market instruments and sound economic and investment analysis to capture it. Moving upwards to even bigger challenges, Nabulsi was appointed as the CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre, (DIFC), a master planned 110acre free zone aspiring to become the world's newest international financial hub alongside the more solidly entrenched centres of New York, London and Hong Kong. Mainly serving the huge area between Western Europe and East Asia since it opened in 2004, Nabulsi acknowledges the power of the concept. "The DIFC is a milestone project that is set to transform Dubai and the region into a
Dubai is idealy located at the crossroads of continents and economies very serious global financial player”, comments Nabulsi. It stands testimony to the vision and commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government of Dubai, who had the conviction and foresight to position UAE as a global financial centre, even amidst much skepticism. Today the centre plays host to key international financial institutions and is rapidly becoming the location of choice for multinationals looking to access the Middle East and Asia. The success of the DIFC inspired Nabulsi to "focus on a new challenge in order to channel our investment expertise in a new direction." Instead of taking billions from regional investors and then investing internationally, Nabulsi astutely grasped the need to create local investment opportunities for growing regional appetite and highly liquid markets. Despite the growing palatability of redirecting the westward-bound Arab funds back towards the region, establishing a customised vehicle to do so was quite a challenge given that the Central Bank had not
issued a licence for a new financial institution for over 18 years. Fortunately, says Nabulsi, they welcomed the idea with open arms. "The Central Bank could not have been more helpful", he says, noting that the next challenge was to find investors. The challenge, it turned out, was less than insurmountable. Demand for initial establishment funds for Al Mal Capital, far outstripped initial needs forcing the company to pare back potential investor's expectations. Al Mal initially had plans to list the company publicly but due to changes in the local regulatory framework, Al Mal Capital decided to remain private. "In hindsight this was a smart move," says Nabulsi. "During the initial establishment phase we didn't want to be held hostage to shareholder pressure and wanted to have the freedom to focus on the longer-term and developing value for our founder shareholders." In the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable market that is the UAE, where the two main bourses have experienced considerable volatility despite the economy's essentially sound fundamentals, Al Mal's first
234
Best of Dubai
year of operations was extremely busy. Focused on building its brand as a local company with regional aspirations, Al Mal has developed three lines of business: brokerage, asset management and investment banking. The brokerage side has developed rapidly with Al Mal Securities operating on the Dubai Financial Market and plans to become a member of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) shortly. In addition, notes Nabulsi, Al Mal has "bought into a brokerage business in Jordan and was recently licensed by the Capital Markets Authority in Saudi Arabia." It is also in the process of setting up in Turkey and Morocco - "two areas that have been woefully ignored investment-wise". On the Asset Management front, Al Mal Capital has developed an Equity Fund along with a AED200 million Real Estate Fund with
Best of Dubai
235
Landmark Properties, with the Equity Fund being rated the best in the UAE by the leading Arabic daily newspaper 'Al Bayan'. Instead of treading the beaten track of residential property investment in the mid to higher echelons, the real estate fund is focusing on warehousing and low budget housing instead - "This is where at present the best opportunities lie", Nabulsi claims. Al Mal Capital's plans for this year also include the launch of the Al Mal Falcon index, consisting of 20 companies, which will be the first traded index in the region. Also by the end of the year, they hope to have launched their first private equity fund. Despite huge growth potential and abounding innovation, Nabulsi and his team want to remain a boutique business. "We go for the customised approach, making use of advanced financial strategies combined with versatile technology in order to provide our clients with personalised, inventive solutions and preferred access to investment and intelligence", he explains. Al Mal Capital aims to become the partner of choice for any Foreign Direct Investment that is targeting the UAE and will consider their mission incomplete until the company is considered the dominant player in this sector. "We must differentiate ourselves from the other investment companies in this market", said Nabulsi, "by developing products that will help foreign investors, such as hedge funds, so as to invest securely in the products that we are developing." Despite the challenges ahead and the sea of opportunities to pick from in terms of regional investment, Al Mal Capital remains focused on its core responsibility of building the brand and international relationships that can be transformed into sound, high return, local investments. "By building a dream team that combines local market knowledge with global investment expertise, we are very well positioned to introduce a new class of investing in the Middle East", concludes Nabulsi. Tel: +9714 360 1111 www.almalcapital.com
Dubai is idealy located at the crossroads of continents and economies very serious global financial player”, comments Nabulsi. It stands testimony to the vision and commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Government of Dubai, who had the conviction and foresight to position UAE as a global financial centre, even amidst much skepticism. Today the centre plays host to key international financial institutions and is rapidly becoming the location of choice for multinationals looking to access the Middle East and Asia. The success of the DIFC inspired Nabulsi to "focus on a new challenge in order to channel our investment expertise in a new direction." Instead of taking billions from regional investors and then investing internationally, Nabulsi astutely grasped the need to create local investment opportunities for growing regional appetite and highly liquid markets. Despite the growing palatability of redirecting the westward-bound Arab funds back towards the region, establishing a customised vehicle to do so was quite a challenge given that the Central Bank had not
issued a licence for a new financial institution for over 18 years. Fortunately, says Nabulsi, they welcomed the idea with open arms. "The Central Bank could not have been more helpful", he says, noting that the next challenge was to find investors. The challenge, it turned out, was less than insurmountable. Demand for initial establishment funds for Al Mal Capital, far outstripped initial needs forcing the company to pare back potential investor's expectations. Al Mal initially had plans to list the company publicly but due to changes in the local regulatory framework, Al Mal Capital decided to remain private. "In hindsight this was a smart move," says Nabulsi. "During the initial establishment phase we didn't want to be held hostage to shareholder pressure and wanted to have the freedom to focus on the longer-term and developing value for our founder shareholders." In the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable market that is the UAE, where the two main bourses have experienced considerable volatility despite the economy's essentially sound fundamentals, Al Mal's first
234
Best of Dubai
year of operations was extremely busy. Focused on building its brand as a local company with regional aspirations, Al Mal has developed three lines of business: brokerage, asset management and investment banking. The brokerage side has developed rapidly with Al Mal Securities operating on the Dubai Financial Market and plans to become a member of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) shortly. In addition, notes Nabulsi, Al Mal has "bought into a brokerage business in Jordan and was recently licensed by the Capital Markets Authority in Saudi Arabia." It is also in the process of setting up in Turkey and Morocco - "two areas that have been woefully ignored investment-wise". On the Asset Management front, Al Mal Capital has developed an Equity Fund along with a AED200 million Real Estate Fund with
Best of Dubai
235
Landmark Properties, with the Equity Fund being rated the best in the UAE by the leading Arabic daily newspaper 'Al Bayan'. Instead of treading the beaten track of residential property investment in the mid to higher echelons, the real estate fund is focusing on warehousing and low budget housing instead - "This is where at present the best opportunities lie", Nabulsi claims. Al Mal Capital's plans for this year also include the launch of the Al Mal Falcon index, consisting of 20 companies, which will be the first traded index in the region. Also by the end of the year, they hope to have launched their first private equity fund. Despite huge growth potential and abounding innovation, Nabulsi and his team want to remain a boutique business. "We go for the customised approach, making use of advanced financial strategies combined with versatile technology in order to provide our clients with personalised, inventive solutions and preferred access to investment and intelligence", he explains. Al Mal Capital aims to become the partner of choice for any Foreign Direct Investment that is targeting the UAE and will consider their mission incomplete until the company is considered the dominant player in this sector. "We must differentiate ourselves from the other investment companies in this market", said Nabulsi, "by developing products that will help foreign investors, such as hedge funds, so as to invest securely in the products that we are developing." Despite the challenges ahead and the sea of opportunities to pick from in terms of regional investment, Al Mal Capital remains focused on its core responsibility of building the brand and international relationships that can be transformed into sound, high return, local investments. "By building a dream team that combines local market knowledge with global investment expertise, we are very well positioned to introduce a new class of investing in the Middle East", concludes Nabulsi. Tel: +9714 360 1111 www.almalcapital.com
Banking & Finance
mashreq bank2.qxp
12/11/06
3:25 PM
Page 1
Future Growth Today As much as any other area of the economy, the UAE financial sector is a rapidly expanding market and the competition for business is hot. Banking institutions looking for a piece of the action must be able to provide unique levels of service and products or risk falling by the wayside. When it comes to innovation and growth that appeals to diverse segments, Mashreqbank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a visionary with the eternal Midas touch.
236
Best of Dubai
mashreq bank2.qxp
12/11/06
3:25 PM
Page 2
Mashreq Bank in a nutshell Given its status as the largest private bank in the UAE, with total assets for end-of-year 2005 valued at AED45,742 million (US$12,453 million), Mashreq Bank certainly stands out as the market leader. This is highlighted by the institution’s claim that one in every two households in the country banks with Mashreq. Established in the UAE as the Bank of Oman in 1967, the bank quickly developed a reputation for strong brand equity in the dynamic and highly competitive UAE marketplace. As the country grew, the bank grew along with it, evolving from a local entity based around a small trading port into an international institution located in a global commercial hub. By 1993, this growth was reflected in a name change to Mashreq Bank as the institution set out to propagate a greater international awareness in their spirit, philosophy and scope. Despite the rest of the world catching on to the enormous investment opportunities and potential available in the UAE, resulting in an influx in international financial institutions and the expansion of existing banks, Mashreq Bank has managed to maintain its position at the top of the financial tree. “Last year was our most exceptional performance ever”, asserts Mashreq Bank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, adding the bank is currently following on from previous years and continues to perform exceptionally well. This maintained growth and strong hold on the marketplace is a direct reflection of the Mashreq Bank policy of innovation and being the first to meet the client needs. “We have always been a pioneering bank for introducing new products into the market, which means that we now offer more products and services than any other bank”, adds Al Ghurair. “This gives us a very deep market penetration.” An example of the bank’s ability to be the UAE financial pioneer was being the first to introduce credit cards into the country. Since the launch of the digitally enabled WOW! Credit card, independent research, conducted by the European Financial Management and Marketing Association, shows Mashreq Bank to have experienced 65 per cent growth. This compares very favourably with a market average of 1 5 per cent. Similarly, in the merchant acquiring side of the credit card business, Mashreq Bank has approximately 40 per cent of market share. The European Financial Management and Marketing Association were so impressed with the WOW! Credit card concept they awarded Mashreq Bank the Grand Prix Award 2005 for having the card with the most innovative rewards programmes. This was the first time in the
Best of Dubai
237
history of the award that a bank from the Middle East had taken the award home. Mashreq Bank added to their trophy cabinet in July 2006 when Euromoney Magazine, a leading journal of the world’s capital markets, named them best bank in the UAE. It is not only Mashreq Bank that is receiving the awards, however, with customers also given the opportunity to share in the bank’s success with the MashreqMillionaire promotion. In order to encourage saving in a high-spending economy, Mashreq issues savings certificates in denominations of AED1000 that are readily redeemable at full face value with no cancellation charges. What makes the savings plan especially attractive are the three draws each month that culminate in a number of cash prizes being handed out, including AED1,000,000 to one lucky saver. As if that is not enough, every six months sees a massive AED4,000,000 payout, the largest cash prize in the UAE. Winning prizes and dishing out cash incentives is one thing, but providing investors with easy access too their money is another. This is why Mashreq Bank is forever looking for opportunities to expand its presence into the market place. “We have increased our ATM network, which now totals 150 ATMs and the number is still growing, and we now have 46 branches in the UAE and three branches in Qatar,” explains Al Ghurair. “Also, our brokerage arm, Mashreq Securities, has open dedicated lounge cum offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for VIP and institutional investors to trade on the UAE’s stock exchangers [and] more are planned in other emirates,” he adds. This expansion is also set to continue outside the UAE with a planned fourth office in Qatar, as well as instituting a presence in Bahrain and Egypt. Other countries in the Middle East will be looked at further down the line, says Al Ghurair. As for the future of Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair sees the current direction of the economy as very healthy for ensuring stability. With oil prices around US$60 per barrel”, he argues, the economies of the region are extremely robust, with a great deal of liquidity. “This has resulted in huge investments in infrastructure, diversification of the economy and [the] acquisition of overseas assets, so even if there were to be a future downturn in oil prices this would have far less of an impact than in the past.” With the future certain and the past and current status as guarantor, Mashreq Bank ensures customer needs, whether they be personal banking, commercial banking, retail banking, or the new Islamic banking arm, Badr Al Islami, are not just met, but superseded regardless of what those requirements might be.
Banking & Finance
mashreq bank1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:53 PM
Page 1
Future Growth Today
An interview with banker and business visionary Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO of Mashreqbank
As much as any other area of the economy, the UAE financial sector is a rapidly expanding market and the competition for business is hot. Banking institutions looking for a piece of the action must be able to provide unique levels of service and products or risk falling by the wayside. When it comes to innovation and growth that appeals to diverse segments, Mashreq Bank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a visionary with the eternal Midas touch.
How is business for Mashreqbank at this time? The bank is performing very well indeed and has been for several years. Last year was our most exceptional performance ever, due to unique circumstances, but this year business is very solid. Both the commercial banking and retail banking sectors are growing and our Islamic banking arm, Badr Al Islami, is also establishing a good record in the market. How does your market share compare with other banks in the UAE? We have always been known as a pioneering bank for introducing new products into the market, which means that we now offer more products and services than any other bank. This gives us a very deep market penetration and soon one in every three of the bankable population of the UAE will have a banking relationship with Mashreqbank. For example, we were the first bank to introduce credit cards in the UAE, and independent research shows that since the launch of our digitally enabled WOW! credit cards we achieved 65 per cent growth. This compares to the market average of 15 per cent growth. Similarly, in the merchant acquiring side of the credit card business, Mashreqbank has about 40 per cent market share. In fact the people who researched this, the European Financial Management & Marketing Association, awarded Mashreqbank the Grand Prix Award 2005 for having the card with the most innovative rewards programmes. This is the first time in the history of the award that a bank from the Middle East has won it. Are you planning to expand your UAE branch network? Yes we are always expanding. We have increased our ATM network which now totals 150 ATMs, and the number is still growing, and we now have 46 branches in the UAE and three branches in Qatar. Also our brokerage arm, Mashreq Securities, has opened dedicated lounge cum offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for VIP and institutional investors to trade on the UAE's stock exchanges. More of these are planned in other emirates. What about your overseas network? We have recently opened a third branch in Qatar and are looking into a fourth branch. We will soon be opening in Bahrain and Egypt, and we are actively looking at expansion opportunities in other Middle Eastern countries. How do you see the future? Very healthy. With oil prices settling down at around US$60 a barrel, the economies of the region are extremely robust, with a great deal of liquidity. This has resulted in huge investments in infrastructure, diversification of the economy, and acquisition of overseas assets, so even if there were to be a future downturn in oil prices this would have far less of an impact than in the past. What about the stock markets and property prices? The stock markets took a hammering earlier this year but the market and investors were largely able to cope and the repercussions have been minimal. Now the markets are priced more reasonably and should see overall steady growth. As for property, with so many new properties coming on to the market there could well be an adjustment towards the end of 2008 when supply overtakes demand for a time. Where does Mashreqbank stand with regards to money laundering and transparency? We work in the most highly regulated markets in the world - New York, London, Hong Kong - which demand that we have to be very vigorous in regulating ourselves. And what we do in those markets we apply across our whole network. For instance we are already set to apply Basel II accounting standards which require far more disclosure than existing reporting practices.
236
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
237
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO
Mashreqbank wins Euromoney "Best Bank in the UAE" award The leading international finance journal Euromoney has awarded Mashreqbank the" Best Bank in the UAE Award for Excellence" at a gala awards ceremony held at the London Natural History Museum. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO, received the award on behalf of the bank from Padraic Fallon, the magazine Chairman and Editor-inChief. In making its 'Awards for Excellence', Euromoney focuses on the quality of management, strategic focus, profitability and innovation of the banks it reviews. In Mashreqbank's case, Euromoney cited in particular the bank's innovation and expertise in wholesale and cross border finance. "Over the past year Mashreqbank's loan growth was a remarkable 20 per cent. It managed this while maintaining good finance portfolio quality and steadily increasing profits. It has broadened its business base to take on cash management and more retail services to complement its strengths in corporate and consumer banking, trade finance and foreign exchange trading", said Sui Chung, Senior Manager of Euromoney He added that Mashreqbank has implemented leading edge IT solutions and its internal systems and processes are widely considered the best in the UAE. "Mashreqbank's financial strength and political independence have helped it to play a leading role in some of the largest syndicated loan deals of the year", added Chung. In thanking the award organisers Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair praised the commitment and teamwork of Mashreqbank management and staff for achieving such high levels of excellence in so many key areas. "As an organisation we are committed to providing our customers with the best products and services achievable. To do this requires us to constantly review everything we do and find innovative ways of doing them better, faster and more effectively", Al Ghurair said. Atif Bajwa, Head of Mashreqbank Retail Banking Unit, pointed out that in its 36 year history the bank had played a pioneering role in the UAE banking industry. Not only was it the first ever private bank in the UAE, but was also the first to launch products such as credit cards, ATM machines and consumer loans, as well as its famous 'MashreqMillionaire' savings certificates.
The Euromoney Excellence Awards Panel includes a selection of high level international financial experts as well as Senior Editors and the Chairman of Euromoney. Mashreq Bank in a nutshell Given its status as the largest private bank in the UAE, with total assets for endof-year 2005 valued at AED45,742 million (US$12,453 million), Mashreq Bank certainly stands out as the market leader. This is highlighted by the institution’s claim that one in every two households in the country banks with Mashreq. Established in the UAE as the Bank of Oman in 1967, the bank quickly developed a reputation for strong brand equity in the dynamic and highly competitive UAE marketplace. As the country grew, the bank grew along with it, evolving from a local entity based around a small trading port into an international institution located in a global commercial hub. By 1993, this growth was reflected in a name change to Mashreq Bank as the institution set out to propagate a greater international awareness in their spirit, philosophy and scope. Despite the rest of the world catching on to the enormous investment opportunities and potential available in the UAE, resulting in an influx in international financial institutions and the expansion of existing banks, Mashreq Bank has managed to maintain its position at the top of the financial tree. “Last year was our most exceptional performance ever”, asserts Mashreq Bank CEO, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, adding the bank is currently following on from previous years and continues to perform exceptionally well. This maintained growth and strong hold on the marketplace is a direct reflection of the Mashreq Bank policy of innovation and being the first to meet the client needs. “We have always been a pioneering bank for introducing new products into the market, which means that we now offer more products and services than any other bank”, adds Al Ghurair. “This gives us a very deep market penetration.” An example of the bank’s ability to be the UAE financial pioneer was being the first to introduce credit cards into the country. Since the launch of the digitally enabled WOW! Credit card, independent research, conducted by the European Financial Management and Marketing Association, shows Mashreq Bank to have experienced 65 per cent growth. This compares very favourably with a market average of 15 per cent. Similarly, in the merchant
acquiring side of the credit card business, Mashreq Bank has approximately 40 per cent of market share. The European Financial Management and Marketing Association were so impressed with the WOW! Credit card concept they awarded Mashreq Bank the Grand Prix Award 2005 for having the card with the most innovative rewards programmes. This was the first time in the history of the award that a bank from the Middle East had taken the award home. Mashreq Bank added to their trophy cabinet in July 2006 when Euromoney Magazine, a leading journal of the world’s capital markets, named them best bank in the UAE. It is not only Mashreq Bank that is receiving the awards, however, with customers also given the opportunity to share in the bank’s success with the MashreqMillionaire promotion. In order to encourage saving in a high-spending economy, Mashreq issues savings certificates in denominations of AED1000 that are readily redeemable at full face value with no cancellation charges. What makes the savings plan especially attractive are the three draws each month that culminate in a number of cash prizes being handed out, including AED1,000,000 to one lucky saver. As if that is not enough, every six months sees a massive AED4,000,000 payout, the largest cash prize in the UAE. Winning prizes and dishing out cash incentives is one thing, but providing investors with easy access too their money is another. This is why Mashreq Bank is forever looking for opportunities to expand its presence into the market place. “We have increased our ATM
network, which now totals 150 ATMs and the number is still growing, and we now have 46 branches in the UAE and three branches in Qatar,” explains Al Ghurair. “Also, our brokerage arm, Mashreq Securities, has open dedicated lounge cum offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for VIP and institutional investors to trade on the UAE’s stock exchangers [and] more are planned in other emirates,” he adds. This expansion is also set to continue outside the UAE with a planned fourth office in Qatar, as well as instituting a presence in Bahrain and Egypt. Other countries in the Middle East will be looked at further down the line, says Al Ghurair. As for the future of Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair sees the current direction of the economy as very healthy for ensuring stability. With oil prices around US$60 per barrel”, he argues, the economies of the region are extremely robust, with a great deal of liquidity. “This has resulted in huge investments in infrastructure, diversification of the economy and [the] acquisition of overseas assets, so even if there were to be a future downturn in oil prices this would have far less of an impact than in the past.” With the future certain and the past and current status as guarantor, Mashreq Bank ensures customer needs, whether they be personal banking, commercial banking, retail banking, or the new Islamic banking arm, Badr Al Islami, are not just met, but superseded regardless of what those requirements might be. Tel.: +9714 222 3333 www.masreqbank.com
238
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
239
Banking & Finance
You First “We are a branch of the UK based Lloyds TSB Group which makes us part of one of the largest and most successful banking groups in the world.” Giles Cunnigham, CEO Lloyds TSB Group Middle East explains what it means to be part of a bank that has enormous strength and solidity regionally and worldwide.
Giles Cunningham Chief Executive Officer Lloyds TSB Group Middle East
Why has Lloyds TSB chosen Dubai as one of its international locations? “We established our presence here thirty years ago, in the early days of the United Arab Emirates. Over recent years, our presence, product range and services have expanded significantly across Corporate, Business and Retail Banking. We attribute this to the many expatriates and international businesses that base themselves here, the value of our brand, the phenomenal growth rate of Dubai and the speed at which the local market moves. The bank has both benefited from and contributed to the development of this amazing emirate and helped to lay the foundations for success in future years.” Describe your strategy to achieve this growth? “Our vision is to become the most recommended bank in the region. We pride ourselves in bringing transparency and high quality services to our customers. Some examples of this are mortgages that do not penalise customers for early settlements, a dedicated relationship manager for every customer, or advertising the true interest rates on products (some banks hide behind attractive but misleading ‘marketing rates’). We have also increased our accessibility by pioneering extended opening hours, building a network of customer services centres throughout Dubai and offering Internet and telephone banking. In addition to our landmark branch in Jumeirah, we are now also located in Arabian Ranches, Green Community, Uptown Mirdiff and Dubai Healthcare City.” What sets Lloyds TSB apart from other banks? “Our passion for customers! Everyone who works at Lloyds TSB will go the extra mile to provide customers with a truly memorable banking experience.” Tel.: +9714 342 2000 www.lloydstsb.ae
240
Best of Dubai
Banking & Finance
You First “We are a branch of the UK based Lloyds TSB Group which makes us part of one of the largest and most successful banking groups in the world.” Giles Cunnigham, CEO Lloyds TSB Group Middle East explains what it means to be part of a bank that has enormous strength and solidity regionally and worldwide.
Giles Cunningham Chief Executive Officer Lloyds TSB Group Middle East
Why has Lloyds TSB chosen Dubai as one of its international locations? “We established our presence here thirty years ago, in the early days of the United Arab Emirates. Over recent years, our presence, product range and services have expanded significantly across Corporate, Business and Retail Banking. We attribute this to the many expatriates and international businesses that base themselves here, the value of our brand, the phenomenal growth rate of Dubai and the speed at which the local market moves. The bank has both benefited from and contributed to the development of this amazing emirate and helped to lay the foundations for success in future years.” Describe your strategy to achieve this growth? “Our vision is to become the most recommended bank in the region. We pride ourselves in bringing transparency and high quality services to our customers. Some examples of this are mortgages that do not penalise customers for early settlements, a dedicated relationship manager for every customer, or advertising the true interest rates on products (some banks hide behind attractive but misleading ‘marketing rates’). We have also increased our accessibility by pioneering extended opening hours, building a network of customer services centres throughout Dubai and offering Internet and telephone banking. In addition to our landmark branch in Jumeirah, we are now also located in Arabian Ranches, Green Community, Uptown Mirdiff and Dubai Healthcare City.” What sets Lloyds TSB apart from other banks? “Our passion for customers! Everyone who works at Lloyds TSB will go the extra mile to provide customers with a truly memorable banking experience.” Tel.: +9714 342 2000 www.lloydstsb.ae
240
Best of Dubai
Banking & Finance
New Banking Dimensions Islamic banking is now one of the world's fastest-growing financial sectors, with nearly 200 institutions responsible for assets estimated at more than US$200 billion.
Saad Abdul Razak, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank
Leading this list of institutions is the Dubai Islamic Bank, which, since beginning operations in 1975,it was the world's first fully fledged Islamic bank, has continued to go from strength-tostrength and led the way as the first Islamic bank to incorporate the principles of Islam into all of its practices. The practice of Islamic financial activity, such as acceptance of deposits and the rejection of interest, dates back to the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). People entrusted their money to the Prophet himself, or Abu Bakr Seddique, the first Caliph of Islam. But, a modern Islamic banking system as we have come to know it only began to evolve towards the end of 1960s when several Muslim countries started to put the idea into practice. The early models of the seventies struggled to ensure full compliance with Islamic principles. "The success of DIB challenged the much perceived notion that Islamic finance was unsuitable for the modern banking needs," says Dr.Mohammed Khalfan al Kharbash, Chairman, DIB and Minister of State for Finance, UAE. Islamic banks, led by Dubai Islamic Bank, are becoming increasingly competitive in all aspects of modern banking activity. Contrary to the stereotypes that consigned Islamic finance to some sort of religious obligation for Muslims, the Sharia compliant framework is increasingly being recognised as a fairer and a superior alternative to conventional banking. This understanding has been instrumental in attracting many non-Muslim customers. The year 2006 has been no exception and the impressive performance achieved by DIB during this time reflects the success of the bank's strategy to diversify its products and services to meet market dynamics. The results also follow
and reflect the sustainable growth that DIB has achieved over recent years. According to the latest Bloomberg "Underwriter Rankings" report, DIB has emerged as the world's number one Sukuk underwriter. Building on the success of Sukuk issues concluded by DIB, the bank has further strengthened its position as the world's number one arranger of Sukuk. These landmark deals included the US$3.5 billion Sukuk for Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation's (PCFC) co-lead managed with Barclays Capital and Dubai Civil Aviation's US$1 billion issue. In order to achieve higher growth and provide high returns to its investors, DIB has launched a series of investment funds since the beginning of 2006, including 'Al Islami Shipping Fund', 'Al Islami Capital Protected Note', 'Al Islami Saving Scheme' and 'Pan European Real Estate Fund'. As recognition for its efforts, DIB received the coveted Best Islamic Bank in the Middle East award and the Best Global Sukuk House award at the Euromoney 2006 Islamic Finance Awards. DIB also recently won Euromoney's "Best Debt House in the UAE" award. The future also looks bright for DIB, with the bank continuing to roll out new products, strengthen its quality of services, and provide specialised financial solutions to corporates through strategic alliances and partnerships on the local and international scene. In 2007 alone, DIB plans to aggressively expand its branch network in the UAE to 53 branches, making it the fastest growing bank in the country. In line with this expansion, DIB will also install 97 next-generation ATMs that will double the self-service banking network. Tel.: +9714 800 4008 www.alislami.ae
242
Best of Dubai
Banking & Finance
New Banking Dimensions Islamic banking is now one of the world's fastest-growing financial sectors, with nearly 200 institutions responsible for assets estimated at more than US$200 billion.
Saad Abdul Razak, CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank
Leading this list of institutions is the Dubai Islamic Bank, which, since beginning operations in 1975,it was the world's first fully fledged Islamic bank, has continued to go from strength-tostrength and led the way as the first Islamic bank to incorporate the principles of Islam into all of its practices. The practice of Islamic financial activity, such as acceptance of deposits and the rejection of interest, dates back to the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). People entrusted their money to the Prophet himself, or Abu Bakr Seddique, the first Caliph of Islam. But, a modern Islamic banking system as we have come to know it only began to evolve towards the end of 1960s when several Muslim countries started to put the idea into practice. The early models of the seventies struggled to ensure full compliance with Islamic principles. "The success of DIB challenged the much perceived notion that Islamic finance was unsuitable for the modern banking needs," says Dr.Mohammed Khalfan al Kharbash, Chairman, DIB and Minister of State for Finance, UAE. Islamic banks, led by Dubai Islamic Bank, are becoming increasingly competitive in all aspects of modern banking activity. Contrary to the stereotypes that consigned Islamic finance to some sort of religious obligation for Muslims, the Sharia compliant framework is increasingly being recognised as a fairer and a superior alternative to conventional banking. This understanding has been instrumental in attracting many non-Muslim customers. The year 2006 has been no exception and the impressive performance achieved by DIB during this time reflects the success of the bank's strategy to diversify its products and services to meet market dynamics. The results also follow
and reflect the sustainable growth that DIB has achieved over recent years. According to the latest Bloomberg "Underwriter Rankings" report, DIB has emerged as the world's number one Sukuk underwriter. Building on the success of Sukuk issues concluded by DIB, the bank has further strengthened its position as the world's number one arranger of Sukuk. These landmark deals included the US$3.5 billion Sukuk for Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation's (PCFC) co-lead managed with Barclays Capital and Dubai Civil Aviation's US$1 billion issue. In order to achieve higher growth and provide high returns to its investors, DIB has launched a series of investment funds since the beginning of 2006, including 'Al Islami Shipping Fund', 'Al Islami Capital Protected Note', 'Al Islami Saving Scheme' and 'Pan European Real Estate Fund'. As recognition for its efforts, DIB received the coveted Best Islamic Bank in the Middle East award and the Best Global Sukuk House award at the Euromoney 2006 Islamic Finance Awards. DIB also recently won Euromoney's "Best Debt House in the UAE" award. The future also looks bright for DIB, with the bank continuing to roll out new products, strengthen its quality of services, and provide specialised financial solutions to corporates through strategic alliances and partnerships on the local and international scene. In 2007 alone, DIB plans to aggressively expand its branch network in the UAE to 53 branches, making it the fastest growing bank in the country. In line with this expansion, DIB will also install 97 next-generation ATMs that will double the self-service banking network. Tel.: +9714 800 4008 www.alislami.ae
242
Best of Dubai
"It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful. It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate". Donald Trump, Billionaire Real Estate Developer
CHAPTER 14 Architecture, Property & Real Estate
"It's tangible, it's solid, it's beautiful. It's artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate". Donald Trump, Billionaire Real Estate Developer
CHAPTER 14 Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
A Landmark in the Property Maze Thanks to a government with the foresight to realise the risk of overdependency on oil and gas, Dubai has successfully diversified its economy into different areas, including the increasingly buoyant property market. Set against a backdrop of low mortgage interest rates, rapid population expansion, an unrelenting wave of committed buyers and a burgeoning holiday-home market, property prices and rental returns in the emirate are eminently sustainable.
Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner
The positive growth of the Dubai property market is expected to develop at an even greater rate over the next decade than it has during the past ten years. While government initiatives have been the catalyst for the property sector's rapid growth in Dubai, investors, whether from the Arabian Gulf or beyond, are realising that the emirate has so much to offer: an ideal climate, central location, high standard of living, abundant and diverse employment opportunities and extremely low crime rates only add to the attraction of investing and working in Dubai. Industry Leaders As an individual venturing into new territory, finding the right expertise and advice is a must when it comes to understanding or investing in any property market. Industry leaders in property consultancy, Dubai-based Landmark Properties offers a broad range of services encompassing residential rentals, commercial leasing, property and land sales and investment opportunities. Established in 2002, Landmark Properties is jointly owned by a unique and dynamic group of experienced entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds in investment banking, real estate development, marketing and media production. The firm possesses a first hand knowledge of market value and price, which is underpinned by an unwavering dedication to finding solutions for property seekers who require specialist attention for buying, leasing or selling within the emirate. Landmark Properties carefully guides its clients' property transactions through the maze of details to a successful conclusion. Specialist Knowledge The organisation's solid reputation for successfully handling all aspects of real estate, and catering to the needs of individual and corporate clients, has been carved out by its team of highly proficient staff. "Our in-house team of professionals can take care of all client requests, whether it is for personal use or investment", says Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner, Landmark Properties. "With constant communication in practice, enabling us to remain up to date with developments in the market as well as implementing new client servicing strategies, we are rapidly expanding both our database of clients as well as our portfolio of exclusive projects. "This is further underlined through our recently launched 'Project Sales and Marketing Department', which works with developers across the region, and beyond, to introduce new and exciting projects to the Dubai landscape." Personal Attention The region has experienced an average annual population growth of 9.8 per cent over
246
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
247
the last five years. In simple terms, this means as many as 140,000 people are expected to relocate to Dubai in 2006 to live and work. Landmark Properties has managed to match this frenetic pace, continually finding investment solutions that optimise any budget and that best suits its' clients. Landmark Properties handles high profile commercial and residential real estate projects across Dubai. The organisation's website offers an independent search engine, and a dedicated client services team provides investors and clients with the utmost personal attention that is so essential in this profession. "There are many new and exciting projects to choose from, it all depends on what the customers are looking for", says Nashaat. "Do you want a flat or a villa? Do you want it near schools or near your work place? Do you prefer something small in a highly sought after location or something larger but further out of town? Our agents are trained to qualify their clients in order to assist them in making the right decision to suit their needs." It is these types of questions that highlight Landmark Properties' attention to its clients' needs from the outset. Rather than just selling some 'space', Landmark Properties' customer service, expertise and peerless professionalism in the Dubai property market, guarantees its position as the leading organisation when investing in the local real estate sector. Property Accolade Landmark Properties has also been the recipient of important regional accolades including the 'Sales Support and Training' award. The award was presented by Dubai's leading provider of home finance facilities for buyers of properties in the UAE, Tamweel, in September 2006. The award represents an acknowledgement of the company's exclusive sales support and continuous valuable training on Dubai's property market. Rasha Nashaat says that the award is "a testament to the strength of our relationship with Tamweel and to the high levels of service we offer." Behind the scenes, Landmark Properties is proactively involved in increasing the specialist knowledge of its staff along side the firm's overall productivity. A great deal of emphasis is placed on how leadership, cohesion and loyalty play important roles in the overall success of the company. As such, Landmark Properties has recently installed state-of-theart technology which will cement its commitment to human resources and the company's continuing development. Tel: +9714 331 6161 Website:www.landmark-dubai.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
A Landmark in the Property Maze Thanks to a government with the foresight to realise the risk of overdependency on oil and gas, Dubai has successfully diversified its economy into different areas, including the increasingly buoyant property market. Set against a backdrop of low mortgage interest rates, rapid population expansion, an unrelenting wave of committed buyers and a burgeoning holiday-home market, property prices and rental returns in the emirate are eminently sustainable.
Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner
The positive growth of the Dubai property market is expected to develop at an even greater rate over the next decade than it has during the past ten years. While government initiatives have been the catalyst for the property sector's rapid growth in Dubai, investors, whether from the Arabian Gulf or beyond, are realising that the emirate has so much to offer: an ideal climate, central location, high standard of living, abundant and diverse employment opportunities and extremely low crime rates only add to the attraction of investing and working in Dubai. Industry Leaders As an individual venturing into new territory, finding the right expertise and advice is a must when it comes to understanding or investing in any property market. Industry leaders in property consultancy, Dubai-based Landmark Properties offers a broad range of services encompassing residential rentals, commercial leasing, property and land sales and investment opportunities. Established in 2002, Landmark Properties is jointly owned by a unique and dynamic group of experienced entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds in investment banking, real estate development, marketing and media production. The firm possesses a first hand knowledge of market value and price, which is underpinned by an unwavering dedication to finding solutions for property seekers who require specialist attention for buying, leasing or selling within the emirate. Landmark Properties carefully guides its clients' property transactions through the maze of details to a successful conclusion. Specialist Knowledge The organisation's solid reputation for successfully handling all aspects of real estate, and catering to the needs of individual and corporate clients, has been carved out by its team of highly proficient staff. "Our in-house team of professionals can take care of all client requests, whether it is for personal use or investment", says Rasha Nashaat, Managing Partner, Landmark Properties. "With constant communication in practice, enabling us to remain up to date with developments in the market as well as implementing new client servicing strategies, we are rapidly expanding both our database of clients as well as our portfolio of exclusive projects. "This is further underlined through our recently launched 'Project Sales and Marketing Department', which works with developers across the region, and beyond, to introduce new and exciting projects to the Dubai landscape." Personal Attention The region has experienced an average annual population growth of 9.8 per cent over
246
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
247
the last five years. In simple terms, this means as many as 140,000 people are expected to relocate to Dubai in 2006 to live and work. Landmark Properties has managed to match this frenetic pace, continually finding investment solutions that optimise any budget and that best suits its' clients. Landmark Properties handles high profile commercial and residential real estate projects across Dubai. The organisation's website offers an independent search engine, and a dedicated client services team provides investors and clients with the utmost personal attention that is so essential in this profession. "There are many new and exciting projects to choose from, it all depends on what the customers are looking for", says Nashaat. "Do you want a flat or a villa? Do you want it near schools or near your work place? Do you prefer something small in a highly sought after location or something larger but further out of town? Our agents are trained to qualify their clients in order to assist them in making the right decision to suit their needs." It is these types of questions that highlight Landmark Properties' attention to its clients' needs from the outset. Rather than just selling some 'space', Landmark Properties' customer service, expertise and peerless professionalism in the Dubai property market, guarantees its position as the leading organisation when investing in the local real estate sector. Property Accolade Landmark Properties has also been the recipient of important regional accolades including the 'Sales Support and Training' award. The award was presented by Dubai's leading provider of home finance facilities for buyers of properties in the UAE, Tamweel, in September 2006. The award represents an acknowledgement of the company's exclusive sales support and continuous valuable training on Dubai's property market. Rasha Nashaat says that the award is "a testament to the strength of our relationship with Tamweel and to the high levels of service we offer." Behind the scenes, Landmark Properties is proactively involved in increasing the specialist knowledge of its staff along side the firm's overall productivity. A great deal of emphasis is placed on how leadership, cohesion and loyalty play important roles in the overall success of the company. As such, Landmark Properties has recently installed state-of-theart technology which will cement its commitment to human resources and the company's continuing development. Tel: +9714 331 6161 Website:www.landmark-dubai.com
Kling Consultant2.qxp
12/28/2006
4:42 PM
Page 1
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Kling to a dream The visionary engineering and architectural firm is turning Dubai's 21st century plans into reality.
Gerhard Reichert, Managing Director
Stargate Edutainment Park, due for completion in May 2007, is being built around a spaceship theme and covers 260,000 square feet in Zabeel Park. The interior design details will give the impression of floating in the universe, under the ring of Saturn and beyond the stars. Sliding might be more practicable as floating, because an ice rink will be provided, to the amusement of children and families. As if all of this creative innovation were not enough, Kling Consult is now developing two neighbouring residential areas in Mirdif, which cover more than 800,000 square meters and will be completed in 2008. For Mirdif Buildings, a residential community reminiscent of a Spanish village is being conceptualised. Kling designed 60 buildings around a cluster of landscape in cooperation with Spanish architects. The adjacent project, Mirdif Villas, comprises a residential area with more than 300 villas and apartment houses, looking over Mushrif Park. As the construction process of both projects will be supervised by the expertise of Kling Consult engineers, the creation of a green suburb of Dubai will mainly be performed by Kling Consult too. This enterprising firm also signed an agreement with Falcon City of Wonders within Dubailand to carry out the concept design for 345 uniquely designed villas. Not only are the design of towers and residential areas within the scope of Kling Consult, but also one of the most famous and most luxurious German car brands, Porsche, has assigned Kling Architects to assure the high corporate design standard for all showrooms and workshops in the Middle East & Africa. One of the company's main strengths is in combining German and Middle East know-how, combined with a meticulous and dedicated approach. Its philosophy is to provide design and engineering services for large and difficult developments, viewing the project management as important as the technical services. A so-called 'Green KC' team works on environmental aspects and project sustainability, such as energy efficiency, ventilation, shading, interior landscapes and uses of material, daylight as well as optimising recreational facilities too. With its impeccable track record worldwide and the impressive opportunities to be had in this part of the world, the company expects excellent business in Dubai for many more years and anticipates high potential for the region as a whole.
Jewel of The Creek
Stargate Edutainment Park
Since Kling Consult opened its Dubai branch two years ago, its Middle East business has boomed and now accounts for a third of the firm's revenues. The German firm, with 35 years' experience in Iraq, Libya and Saudi Arabia, is now stepping up its profile even more across the Middle East and Africa. Dubai serves as a second central office, complementing its head office in Krumbach, with satellite offices in the surrounding countries. The emirate was chosen for its central location, political stability, good flight connections to Europe and high standard of living for employees. Its 80-strong Dubai workforce will rise to 100 by the end of 2006. Current architectural projects in the city include One @ Business Bay, Stargate Edutainment Park, Mirdif Gate and Jewel of the Creek. One @ Business Bay, a freehold property, is a well planned commercial tower with state-of-the-art features such as a fully equipped health club with gym, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, plunge pool, nail studio and hair salon. Even the cars get their share of relaxation in the 'car spa'. Ground floor retail areas include a bank, restaurants and coffee shops with terraces, travel agency, day care nursery, convenience store, dry cleaners and a business centre. The tower will resemble a huge diamond crystal twinkling in the Dubai sun. 'Al Masa' is the Arabic word for diamond, so it was not by coincidence that the Al Masa group has approved this design. Jewel of the Creek, a 125,000 square meter huge urban development project at the unique location on the north shore of Port Saeed, will also be in Kling Consults hands. This individual complex of apartment buildings, restaurants, hotels, recreational areas, public places and a waterfront promenade will be a link between the city and the creek. In cooperation with the German architectural office Kieferle and Partner, the concept design has been established and the completion of the project is expected in 2010. In Media City, Kling is realizing the design of the Madison Residence, a unique residential tower with environmentally and technologically sound proportions.
248
Best of Dubai
One @ Business Bay Tower
Best of Dubai
249
Tel: +971 4 324 4052 www.klingconsult.de/dubai/dubai.htm
Kling Consultant2.qxp
12/28/2006
4:42 PM
Page 1
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Kling to a dream The visionary engineering and architectural firm is turning Dubai's 21st century plans into reality.
Gerhard Reichert, Managing Director
Stargate Edutainment Park, due for completion in May 2007, is being built around a spaceship theme and covers 260,000 square feet in Zabeel Park. The interior design details will give the impression of floating in the universe, under the ring of Saturn and beyond the stars. Sliding might be more practicable as floating, because an ice rink will be provided, to the amusement of children and families. As if all of this creative innovation were not enough, Kling Consult is now developing two neighbouring residential areas in Mirdif, which cover more than 800,000 square meters and will be completed in 2008. For Mirdif Buildings, a residential community reminiscent of a Spanish village is being conceptualised. Kling designed 60 buildings around a cluster of landscape in cooperation with Spanish architects. The adjacent project, Mirdif Villas, comprises a residential area with more than 300 villas and apartment houses, looking over Mushrif Park. As the construction process of both projects will be supervised by the expertise of Kling Consult engineers, the creation of a green suburb of Dubai will mainly be performed by Kling Consult too. This enterprising firm also signed an agreement with Falcon City of Wonders within Dubailand to carry out the concept design for 345 uniquely designed villas. Not only are the design of towers and residential areas within the scope of Kling Consult, but also one of the most famous and most luxurious German car brands, Porsche, has assigned Kling Architects to assure the high corporate design standard for all showrooms and workshops in the Middle East & Africa. One of the company's main strengths is in combining German and Middle East know-how, combined with a meticulous and dedicated approach. Its philosophy is to provide design and engineering services for large and difficult developments, viewing the project management as important as the technical services. A so-called 'Green KC' team works on environmental aspects and project sustainability, such as energy efficiency, ventilation, shading, interior landscapes and uses of material, daylight as well as optimising recreational facilities too. With its impeccable track record worldwide and the impressive opportunities to be had in this part of the world, the company expects excellent business in Dubai for many more years and anticipates high potential for the region as a whole.
Jewel of The Creek
Stargate Edutainment Park
Since Kling Consult opened its Dubai branch two years ago, its Middle East business has boomed and now accounts for a third of the firm's revenues. The German firm, with 35 years' experience in Iraq, Libya and Saudi Arabia, is now stepping up its profile even more across the Middle East and Africa. Dubai serves as a second central office, complementing its head office in Krumbach, with satellite offices in the surrounding countries. The emirate was chosen for its central location, political stability, good flight connections to Europe and high standard of living for employees. Its 80-strong Dubai workforce will rise to 100 by the end of 2006. Current architectural projects in the city include One @ Business Bay, Stargate Edutainment Park, Mirdif Gate and Jewel of the Creek. One @ Business Bay, a freehold property, is a well planned commercial tower with state-of-the-art features such as a fully equipped health club with gym, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, plunge pool, nail studio and hair salon. Even the cars get their share of relaxation in the 'car spa'. Ground floor retail areas include a bank, restaurants and coffee shops with terraces, travel agency, day care nursery, convenience store, dry cleaners and a business centre. The tower will resemble a huge diamond crystal twinkling in the Dubai sun. 'Al Masa' is the Arabic word for diamond, so it was not by coincidence that the Al Masa group has approved this design. Jewel of the Creek, a 125,000 square meter huge urban development project at the unique location on the north shore of Port Saeed, will also be in Kling Consults hands. This individual complex of apartment buildings, restaurants, hotels, recreational areas, public places and a waterfront promenade will be a link between the city and the creek. In cooperation with the German architectural office Kieferle and Partner, the concept design has been established and the completion of the project is expected in 2010. In Media City, Kling is realizing the design of the Madison Residence, a unique residential tower with environmentally and technologically sound proportions.
248
Best of Dubai
One @ Business Bay Tower
Best of Dubai
249
Tel: +971 4 324 4052 www.klingconsult.de/dubai/dubai.htm
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
IFA - Property - 1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:20 PM
Page 1
The Eighth Wonder
Feverish project development, infrastructure expansion and relentless international marketing are helping Dubai reach its tourist targets: In the first quarter of 2006, in-bound tourists rose from 1.6 to 1.7 million over the previous year. With hotel revenues increasing by 20 per cent during the same period, to $770 million, the emirate's target of achieving 15 million tourists by 2010 looks eminently achievable.
If there is one company that takes the concept of accommodation to stellar heights, it is IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR). As a leader in premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean region and Africa, it is only natural that Dubai should become a focal point for expansion. Underscoring Dubai's pre-eminent position as a rapidly developing centre for tourism, when it comes to premier resort development, the mood is upbeat. "With the expansion in the GCC and the vision of the Ruler of Dubai to position Dubai as an economic 'hub', it was a natural progression to have a head office for IFA HR in Dubai", explains Werner Burger President and COO IFA HR. IFA HR first entered the Dubai market place with the acquisition of land on the 'Palm Jumeirah' - one of the world's three largest man-made islands, in 2003. Through this acquisition, IFA HR entered into a strategic alliance with Palm Jumeirah developers 'Nakheel' for what will eventually contain a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment concepts, as well as adding 120 kilometres to the existing Dubai coastline. "We were fortunate that our chairman identified the opportunities on the Palm Jumeirah and we secured our land when other developers did not even think of investing in Dubai", said Burger, outlining a strategy that has served IFA HR well in the emirate. "The key to development," he adds, "is to make land acquisitions early on and secure the best locations at reasonable prices." Since the acquisition of the land on the Palm Jumeirah, IFA HR has sought
250
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
251
out and developed joint-venture partners for developing this land, culminating in some of the grandest and most luxurious projects ever seen in the region. Al Nabat and Al Haseer, The Palm Residence, consists of two prime properties flanking the private beach and clubhouse on the eastern shore of the trunk of The Palm. These are built in an appealing Arab eclectic style, fusing elements of rich Arabian heritage with modern materials and amenities. Both offer superlative sea or garden views and a level of opulence to match the finest homes anywhere in the world and will be managed by Fairmont. The Fairmont Palm Residence, meanwhile, is the premier residential development on the Palm Jumeirah. Located at the fulcrum of the palm's vibrant shopping hub, The Fairmont Palm Residence offers 558 deluxe apartments, townhouses and penthouses, each boasting unusually spacious accommodation and all in the vicinity of an extraordinary collection of vibrant and chic cafes, upscale boutiques and meandering waterfront walkways. The Fairmont Palm Residence also has the distinction of being directly linked to another IFA HR investment, the five star Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort. As such, residents benefit from the exceptional range of facilities available at the hotel, including a private beach, swimming pool, modern health club, children's playground, restaurants and cafés, apartment servicing, housekeeping and maintenance, maid and childcare services and owners' reception area with concierge and security. There is also the opportunity to join the exclusive beach club, on a
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
IFA - Property - 1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:20 PM
Page 1
The Eighth Wonder
Feverish project development, infrastructure expansion and relentless international marketing are helping Dubai reach its tourist targets: In the first quarter of 2006, in-bound tourists rose from 1.6 to 1.7 million over the previous year. With hotel revenues increasing by 20 per cent during the same period, to $770 million, the emirate's target of achieving 15 million tourists by 2010 looks eminently achievable.
If there is one company that takes the concept of accommodation to stellar heights, it is IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR). As a leader in premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean region and Africa, it is only natural that Dubai should become a focal point for expansion. Underscoring Dubai's pre-eminent position as a rapidly developing centre for tourism, when it comes to premier resort development, the mood is upbeat. "With the expansion in the GCC and the vision of the Ruler of Dubai to position Dubai as an economic 'hub', it was a natural progression to have a head office for IFA HR in Dubai", explains Werner Burger President and COO IFA HR. IFA HR first entered the Dubai market place with the acquisition of land on the 'Palm Jumeirah' - one of the world's three largest man-made islands, in 2003. Through this acquisition, IFA HR entered into a strategic alliance with Palm Jumeirah developers 'Nakheel' for what will eventually contain a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment concepts, as well as adding 120 kilometres to the existing Dubai coastline. "We were fortunate that our chairman identified the opportunities on the Palm Jumeirah and we secured our land when other developers did not even think of investing in Dubai", said Burger, outlining a strategy that has served IFA HR well in the emirate. "The key to development," he adds, "is to make land acquisitions early on and secure the best locations at reasonable prices." Since the acquisition of the land on the Palm Jumeirah, IFA HR has sought
250
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
251
out and developed joint-venture partners for developing this land, culminating in some of the grandest and most luxurious projects ever seen in the region. Al Nabat and Al Haseer, The Palm Residence, consists of two prime properties flanking the private beach and clubhouse on the eastern shore of the trunk of The Palm. These are built in an appealing Arab eclectic style, fusing elements of rich Arabian heritage with modern materials and amenities. Both offer superlative sea or garden views and a level of opulence to match the finest homes anywhere in the world and will be managed by Fairmont. The Fairmont Palm Residence, meanwhile, is the premier residential development on the Palm Jumeirah. Located at the fulcrum of the palm's vibrant shopping hub, The Fairmont Palm Residence offers 558 deluxe apartments, townhouses and penthouses, each boasting unusually spacious accommodation and all in the vicinity of an extraordinary collection of vibrant and chic cafes, upscale boutiques and meandering waterfront walkways. The Fairmont Palm Residence also has the distinction of being directly linked to another IFA HR investment, the five star Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort. As such, residents benefit from the exceptional range of facilities available at the hotel, including a private beach, swimming pool, modern health club, children's playground, restaurants and cafés, apartment servicing, housekeeping and maintenance, maid and childcare services and owners' reception area with concierge and security. There is also the opportunity to join the exclusive beach club, on a
TAKtical Exposure With the current unprecedented growth and economic boom in the Gulf region, 'TAKtical' Realty Group has established its headquarters in Dubai, the fast evolving business hub of the Middle East.
membership access basis, taking advantage of the gymnasium, sports facilities, restaurants, a kids' club, swimming pool and more besides. Complementing both The Palm Residence and The Fairmont Palm Residence is the Palm Golden Mile development, a joint-venture with Nakheel and Istithmar. The Palm Golden Mile residences will showcase 10 waterfront buildings, featuring more than 860 living quarters, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes, which will also be managed by Fairmont. The Palm Golden Mile will also include 200,000 square feet of office space and 220 of the world's most upscale stores and restaurants. Outside of the IFA HR Palm Jumeirah investment is the Laguna Tower, a mixed-use 40-storey tower located at the Jumeirah Lakes, next to Dubai Marina. The Laguna Towers boast ultra-modern facilities with stunning panoramic views along the length of the lake, over golf courses, to Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and beyond, and offers a mix of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments and a Condo Hotel - the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai. As well as the projects already underway, IFA HR will also become a stakeholder in the mixed-use project on The Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah and the company is eyeing potential fresh investment opportunities into some of the largest developments in Dubai in conjunction with its international aspirations. "Our other real estate
developments globally and in the Middle East will naturally be within the realm of the mixed use resorts and the development industry, but we are also interested in innovative and unique ideas, an example of which is our collaboration with the radical hotel concept YOtel", explains Burger. Given the quality and diversity of product offerings, the only question remaining is 'Why invest in the Dubai real estate sector and what differentiates the Palm Jumeirah from other developments currently being undertaken?' "Dubai has world class infrastructure enhanced by safe living and a dynamic and transparent business climate, making it an ideal place to both live and work", says Kit James, IFA HR Director of Sales. "In addition, Dubai's population is set to double in the next decade, making the demand for Dubai real estate even more viable", she adds, while also emphasising the Palm Jumeirah is supported by a tax free environment. This, however, still does not explain what makes owning a piece of the Palm Jumeirah so special. More than mere bricks and mortar, buying into this enviable luxury lifestyle, "is akin to owning property on the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'." That's exclusivity elevated to the highest degree. Now how often does that chance come around?
The TAKtical Team
Tel.: +9714 391 2022 www.ifahotelsresorts.com Best of Dubai
253
A member of the TAKtical group of companies, TRG Works in close collaboration with leading developers, real estate agents and an array of government bodies in Dubai. This enables the company to offer clients a wide range of properties and real estate based investment opportunities in ideal locations. At present, TRG is identifying real estate based investments and strategies predominantly in the GCC and Europe for its private and institutional investors and developers. Through its team of dedicated professionals, TAKtical provides a gamut of real estate investment services that include consultancy and development, asset acquisition as well as disposal, asset management, in addition to financial facilitation to create and manage unique development opportunities while maximizing asset value for investors. Through their global network, in-house team of professionals and affiliate offices in Los Angeles, Houston, London as well as Hong Kong, the company not only provides in-depth research, knowledge of and experience in the Dubai property market, but also in several international markets too. To ensure the best possible service for
investors, TRG has two divisions, institutional and retail, to cater better to the client's needs. The Institutional Division Assists clients with wholesale bulk purchases of floors in office and residential towers, the opportunity to participate in consortiums to purchase entire projects, assistance in creating and deploying marketing and sales strategies for new developments, as well as designing and implementing real estate portfolio strategies. The Retail Division Provides access to a unique inventory of villas, apartments, single plots of land, commercial space and rentals, the ability to list UAE inventory within its network of international brokers in Europe, North America, Greater China and South Asia. This ensures that clients selling receive maximum exposure on their property, access to pre-launches and unique inventory and assistance in securing mortgage financing and transaction facilitation. Tel.: +9714 360 7760 www.takticalrealty.com
TAKtical Exposure With the current unprecedented growth and economic boom in the Gulf region, 'TAKtical' Realty Group has established its headquarters in Dubai, the fast evolving business hub of the Middle East.
membership access basis, taking advantage of the gymnasium, sports facilities, restaurants, a kids' club, swimming pool and more besides. Complementing both The Palm Residence and The Fairmont Palm Residence is the Palm Golden Mile development, a joint-venture with Nakheel and Istithmar. The Palm Golden Mile residences will showcase 10 waterfront buildings, featuring more than 860 living quarters, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses and town homes, which will also be managed by Fairmont. The Palm Golden Mile will also include 200,000 square feet of office space and 220 of the world's most upscale stores and restaurants. Outside of the IFA HR Palm Jumeirah investment is the Laguna Tower, a mixed-use 40-storey tower located at the Jumeirah Lakes, next to Dubai Marina. The Laguna Towers boast ultra-modern facilities with stunning panoramic views along the length of the lake, over golf courses, to Dubai, the Arabian Gulf and beyond, and offers a mix of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments and a Condo Hotel - the Movenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai. As well as the projects already underway, IFA HR will also become a stakeholder in the mixed-use project on The Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah and the company is eyeing potential fresh investment opportunities into some of the largest developments in Dubai in conjunction with its international aspirations. "Our other real estate
developments globally and in the Middle East will naturally be within the realm of the mixed use resorts and the development industry, but we are also interested in innovative and unique ideas, an example of which is our collaboration with the radical hotel concept YOtel", explains Burger. Given the quality and diversity of product offerings, the only question remaining is 'Why invest in the Dubai real estate sector and what differentiates the Palm Jumeirah from other developments currently being undertaken?' "Dubai has world class infrastructure enhanced by safe living and a dynamic and transparent business climate, making it an ideal place to both live and work", says Kit James, IFA HR Director of Sales. "In addition, Dubai's population is set to double in the next decade, making the demand for Dubai real estate even more viable", she adds, while also emphasising the Palm Jumeirah is supported by a tax free environment. This, however, still does not explain what makes owning a piece of the Palm Jumeirah so special. More than mere bricks and mortar, buying into this enviable luxury lifestyle, "is akin to owning property on the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'." That's exclusivity elevated to the highest degree. Now how often does that chance come around?
The TAKtical Team
Tel.: +9714 391 2022 www.ifahotelsresorts.com Best of Dubai
253
A member of the TAKtical group of companies, TRG Works in close collaboration with leading developers, real estate agents and an array of government bodies in Dubai. This enables the company to offer clients a wide range of properties and real estate based investment opportunities in ideal locations. At present, TRG is identifying real estate based investments and strategies predominantly in the GCC and Europe for its private and institutional investors and developers. Through its team of dedicated professionals, TAKtical provides a gamut of real estate investment services that include consultancy and development, asset acquisition as well as disposal, asset management, in addition to financial facilitation to create and manage unique development opportunities while maximizing asset value for investors. Through their global network, in-house team of professionals and affiliate offices in Los Angeles, Houston, London as well as Hong Kong, the company not only provides in-depth research, knowledge of and experience in the Dubai property market, but also in several international markets too. To ensure the best possible service for
investors, TRG has two divisions, institutional and retail, to cater better to the client's needs. The Institutional Division Assists clients with wholesale bulk purchases of floors in office and residential towers, the opportunity to participate in consortiums to purchase entire projects, assistance in creating and deploying marketing and sales strategies for new developments, as well as designing and implementing real estate portfolio strategies. The Retail Division Provides access to a unique inventory of villas, apartments, single plots of land, commercial space and rentals, the ability to list UAE inventory within its network of international brokers in Europe, North America, Greater China and South Asia. This ensures that clients selling receive maximum exposure on their property, access to pre-launches and unique inventory and assistance in securing mortgage financing and transaction facilitation. Tel.: +9714 360 7760 www.takticalrealty.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Property Perfect When Perfect Home Real Estate first launched in 1989, it fast became one of the top lease consulting, buying, selling and rental firms for residential and commercial properties in the UAE. More recently, Fortune Group, born out of the Perfect Home initiative and led by its visionary founder, Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, exceeds time and again every architectural boundary previously set in the fast-growing city of Dubai. The group’s signature development is none other than Burj Al Alam, the world’s tallest commercial tower.
Fortune Tower
Syed Muhammed Ali CEO - Fortune Group Fortune Serene
As a veteran of the freehold property concept, Perfect Home Real Estate deals with some of the most sought-after residential and commercial space in the country. Experienced in both local and international real estate markets, the firm seeks to facilitate the acquisition and disposition of commercial property worldwide. “In 1989, Perfect Home was still one of the few companies of its kind in the UAE,” said Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “It wasn’t until the introduction of freehold in 2002 that other players started coming into the market. At that point, our business really boomed and the concept of Fortune Group was born”, he added. In just a few years, like its predecessor, Fortune Group has become one of the leading property development and real estate consulting firms in the country. The group is now responsible for developing some of the most innovative residential and commercial spaces in Dubai. Dubai’s first freehold commercial space, “Fortune Tower,” sold out to investors in less than 4 months and fast became one of the group’s most important properties. The tower featured a unique revolving restaurant and a multitude of exciting facilities for the international executive. Investors in Fortune Tower have already witnessed more than 80% premiums on their purchases. “Our vision is your growth”, said Mr. Ali.
254
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
255
Fortune Araames
“We sell at affordable rates so that investors are able to make a healthy return on their investments in a relatively short period of time”, he added. Another one of the group’s projects, Fortune Executive Tower, located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area of downtown Dubai, offers the first freehold duplex office space in the Emirate. Its distinctive fountain-pen-shaped structure guaranteed that it was 90% sold out off-plan within two months. Another project in the same location, Fortune Araames Tower, was also met with huge success and sold out almost immediately. Casa Marbella, which seeks to combine Mediterranean architecture with the traditional elements of the Arab world, can be found on the exclusive Palm, Jebel Ali. “Location is key and Fortune Group prides itself on choosing only the best addresses in the Emirate”, said Mr. Ali. “Casa Marbella is targeted toward those who seek a unique lifestyle experience in one of the most sought after locations in town”, he added. A slightly different project, Fortune Serene, located in the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) consists of three residential apartment buildings. “This project supports His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as a truly international media hub”, said Mr. Ali. Fortune Bay and Fortune Pavillion are two more projects yet to be launched by the group in Business Bay and Dubai Sports City respectively. “By combining the best locations with exceptional structure and design, we are able to provide
Fortune Executve
great value to our buyers”, said Mr. Ali. The group’s most elaborate project to date, however, is Burj Al Alam in English, “The World Tower.” Rising up 108 storeys, this extraordinary landmark on Business Bay promises to be one of the world’s top 10 buildings for the next 20 years. The structure will consist of modern offices, a five-star hotel, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest resort as well as the world’s very first rooftop spa. “Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world and Fortune Group is proud to be part of this exciting development”, said Mr. Ali. “The Dubai brand is now recognised globally thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.” The Fortune Group seeks to expand not just regionally but internationally. With already established offices across the UAE and Pakistan, the company also has plans to open offices in London and Moscow. Group agents currently exist throughout the GCC, Canada and the United States. “Dubai offers a unique business atmosphere supported by some of the most advanced commercial and telecommunication infrastructure in the world”, said Mr. Ali. Dubai is bound to flourish for years to come. Like many other ambitious companies across the Emirate, Fortune Group aspires to be at the pinnacle of its remarkable development. Tel.: +9714 297 9393 www.perfecthomerealestate.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Property Perfect When Perfect Home Real Estate first launched in 1989, it fast became one of the top lease consulting, buying, selling and rental firms for residential and commercial properties in the UAE. More recently, Fortune Group, born out of the Perfect Home initiative and led by its visionary founder, Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, exceeds time and again every architectural boundary previously set in the fast-growing city of Dubai. The group’s signature development is none other than Burj Al Alam, the world’s tallest commercial tower.
Fortune Tower
Syed Muhammed Ali CEO - Fortune Group Fortune Serene
As a veteran of the freehold property concept, Perfect Home Real Estate deals with some of the most sought-after residential and commercial space in the country. Experienced in both local and international real estate markets, the firm seeks to facilitate the acquisition and disposition of commercial property worldwide. “In 1989, Perfect Home was still one of the few companies of its kind in the UAE,” said Mr. Syed Muhammed Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Group. “It wasn’t until the introduction of freehold in 2002 that other players started coming into the market. At that point, our business really boomed and the concept of Fortune Group was born”, he added. In just a few years, like its predecessor, Fortune Group has become one of the leading property development and real estate consulting firms in the country. The group is now responsible for developing some of the most innovative residential and commercial spaces in Dubai. Dubai’s first freehold commercial space, “Fortune Tower,” sold out to investors in less than 4 months and fast became one of the group’s most important properties. The tower featured a unique revolving restaurant and a multitude of exciting facilities for the international executive. Investors in Fortune Tower have already witnessed more than 80% premiums on their purchases. “Our vision is your growth”, said Mr. Ali.
254
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
255
Fortune Araames
“We sell at affordable rates so that investors are able to make a healthy return on their investments in a relatively short period of time”, he added. Another one of the group’s projects, Fortune Executive Tower, located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area of downtown Dubai, offers the first freehold duplex office space in the Emirate. Its distinctive fountain-pen-shaped structure guaranteed that it was 90% sold out off-plan within two months. Another project in the same location, Fortune Araames Tower, was also met with huge success and sold out almost immediately. Casa Marbella, which seeks to combine Mediterranean architecture with the traditional elements of the Arab world, can be found on the exclusive Palm, Jebel Ali. “Location is key and Fortune Group prides itself on choosing only the best addresses in the Emirate”, said Mr. Ali. “Casa Marbella is targeted toward those who seek a unique lifestyle experience in one of the most sought after locations in town”, he added. A slightly different project, Fortune Serene, located in the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) consists of three residential apartment buildings. “This project supports His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as a truly international media hub”, said Mr. Ali. Fortune Bay and Fortune Pavillion are two more projects yet to be launched by the group in Business Bay and Dubai Sports City respectively. “By combining the best locations with exceptional structure and design, we are able to provide
Fortune Executve
great value to our buyers”, said Mr. Ali. The group’s most elaborate project to date, however, is Burj Al Alam in English, “The World Tower.” Rising up 108 storeys, this extraordinary landmark on Business Bay promises to be one of the world’s top 10 buildings for the next 20 years. The structure will consist of modern offices, a five-star hotel, an exclusive shopping mall, the world’s tallest resort as well as the world’s very first rooftop spa. “Dubai is the fastest growing city in the world and Fortune Group is proud to be part of this exciting development”, said Mr. Ali. “The Dubai brand is now recognised globally thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.” The Fortune Group seeks to expand not just regionally but internationally. With already established offices across the UAE and Pakistan, the company also has plans to open offices in London and Moscow. Group agents currently exist throughout the GCC, Canada and the United States. “Dubai offers a unique business atmosphere supported by some of the most advanced commercial and telecommunication infrastructure in the world”, said Mr. Ali. Dubai is bound to flourish for years to come. Like many other ambitious companies across the Emirate, Fortune Group aspires to be at the pinnacle of its remarkable development. Tel.: +9714 297 9393 www.perfecthomerealestate.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Live Sport
Welcome to a new and exciting chapter in Dubai’s fast-paced economic diversification plan. Spurred on by increased revenue from rising oil prices and the repatriation of Arab funds that run into hundreds of millions of dollars, Dubai’s GDP is growing at 15 to 18 per cent. With the government’s bold plans to filter large chunks of that wealth into integrated real estate projects conceptualised on a grand scale, developers are having to offer increasingly innovative solutions to stay ahead. This has created ample opportunity for quality infrastructure and real estate expansion, which is pivotal for the creation of architectural landmarks ensuring the emirate’s history in the making. The scores of world-class projects, many of which are devised within the parameters of Dubai’s cluster economy model, represent the leadership’s tangible desire to brand the emirate with positive superlatives: First, biggest, best. It is precisely in this spirit that Dubai Sports City is coming into being. Welcome to a 50 million square feet project within the famous Dubailand development that is already stealing the show from other integrated real estate offerings. Dubai Sports City is the world’s first purpose-built, fully integrated sports city, incorporating world-class sporting venues and academies, as well as residential and commercial properties with related amenities such as hotels, schools, entertainment and medical facilities. The first phase of this mammoth development that will include The Dunes golf course, sports academies and Victory Heights villa residential community will be completed by end 2007, with the overall completion by 2010. The ethos is clear - to reinvent lives and investment portfolios, too. “The term ‘unique’ is often over-used when it comes to real estate projects. Yet, we really have conceptualised Dubai Sports City as an exceptional illustration of what can be achieved if quality, innovation and vision are merged. Effectively, this is how historic landmarks are created”, says Dubai Sports City President, Khalid Al Zarooni. “The success of Dubai Sports City to some extent mirrors Dubai’s own great leap forward. We have also taken a pioneering role in developing something that has never been attempted - just like the exciting experiment that is ‘Project Dubai’ today.” With an estimated population of 70,000, Dubai Sports City boasts a project cost of US$3 billion. This is not surprising considering that the facilities are second to none world-wide. With a 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena and a 5,000 spectator field hockey stadium, no expense and effort has been spared to ensure the best of the best. Dubai Sports City promises to become the world's leading sporting destination, hosting major events and attracting the biggest brands
Dubai Sports City, the world’s largest sports and cultural destination captures the drama, the exhilaration, the very essence of sport. Located in Dubailand, covering an area of 50 million square feet, Dubai Sports City boasts state-of-theart stadiums, sports academies, an Ernie Els’ Design golf course in addition to a thriving residential and commercial community, making it truly the new home of sport.
Aerial view of Dubai Sports City in the making
256
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
257
from across the world by way of participation and sponsorships. The development boasts world-class sports training academies, providing a first class forum to train aspiring young talent and professionals alike. The real estate component of the project will provide a comprehensive community lifestyle for its residents, centred around sport and healthy living. Dubai Sports City will succeed in putting sports permanently on the map in this ideal environment. Where else would you see such a perfect blend? There is no better fit than Dubai Sports City between the Northern and Southern hemispheres”, claims Dubai Sports City’s CEO, U Balasubramaniam. And considering Dubai’s increasingly active social calendar, it seems that it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. “There’s always a sports event happening in Dubai, and Dubai Sports City will not just cater to sports, ours are all multi-purpose venues”, says Al Zarooni. “We consider it our duty to add to the current offering for sports tourism with appropriate touring packages for the whole family.” Given its ideal geographical location, Dubai Sports City also serves as the perfect venue for acclimatization for international players enroute to sporting events across hemispheres. Top of the line sports complexes are only the beginning. Now sport aficionados of every age and level have options for unleashing the power within. For instance, golf personality Ernie Els has endorsed Dubai Sports City with the first Ernie Els Design golf course in the Middle East. This 18-hole championship course will be the centerpiece of Dubai Sports City’s luxury residential golf community, ‘Victory Heights’. For sports enthusiasts looking to start or perfect their game, Dubai Sports City has brought branded sports academies onboard, from the first ever purpose built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility to the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy. There will also be a David Lloyd Tennis Academy and the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the US. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, let the pros do what they do best”, Al Zarooni says. “What builds further credibility to our association with these world renowned brands is that they are not just lending their names to the project but are actively involved in the management and running of their respective entities.” In addition, an area of 20 million square feet has been set aside for inner streets, community parks, gardens and landscaping. It has it all, offering end-users a concept that has substance, from residential and entertainment areas to a commercial district too. The Dubai Sports City will add value in every sphere. Its master plan comprises of international schools offering American, Arabic, British and Sub-continent curriculums, world-class medical,
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Live Sport
Welcome to a new and exciting chapter in Dubai’s fast-paced economic diversification plan. Spurred on by increased revenue from rising oil prices and the repatriation of Arab funds that run into hundreds of millions of dollars, Dubai’s GDP is growing at 15 to 18 per cent. With the government’s bold plans to filter large chunks of that wealth into integrated real estate projects conceptualised on a grand scale, developers are having to offer increasingly innovative solutions to stay ahead. This has created ample opportunity for quality infrastructure and real estate expansion, which is pivotal for the creation of architectural landmarks ensuring the emirate’s history in the making. The scores of world-class projects, many of which are devised within the parameters of Dubai’s cluster economy model, represent the leadership’s tangible desire to brand the emirate with positive superlatives: First, biggest, best. It is precisely in this spirit that Dubai Sports City is coming into being. Welcome to a 50 million square feet project within the famous Dubailand development that is already stealing the show from other integrated real estate offerings. Dubai Sports City is the world’s first purpose-built, fully integrated sports city, incorporating world-class sporting venues and academies, as well as residential and commercial properties with related amenities such as hotels, schools, entertainment and medical facilities. The first phase of this mammoth development that will include The Dunes golf course, sports academies and Victory Heights villa residential community will be completed by end 2007, with the overall completion by 2010. The ethos is clear - to reinvent lives and investment portfolios, too. “The term ‘unique’ is often over-used when it comes to real estate projects. Yet, we really have conceptualised Dubai Sports City as an exceptional illustration of what can be achieved if quality, innovation and vision are merged. Effectively, this is how historic landmarks are created”, says Dubai Sports City President, Khalid Al Zarooni. “The success of Dubai Sports City to some extent mirrors Dubai’s own great leap forward. We have also taken a pioneering role in developing something that has never been attempted - just like the exciting experiment that is ‘Project Dubai’ today.” With an estimated population of 70,000, Dubai Sports City boasts a project cost of US$3 billion. This is not surprising considering that the facilities are second to none world-wide. With a 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena and a 5,000 spectator field hockey stadium, no expense and effort has been spared to ensure the best of the best. Dubai Sports City promises to become the world's leading sporting destination, hosting major events and attracting the biggest brands
Dubai Sports City, the world’s largest sports and cultural destination captures the drama, the exhilaration, the very essence of sport. Located in Dubailand, covering an area of 50 million square feet, Dubai Sports City boasts state-of-theart stadiums, sports academies, an Ernie Els’ Design golf course in addition to a thriving residential and commercial community, making it truly the new home of sport.
Aerial view of Dubai Sports City in the making
256
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
257
from across the world by way of participation and sponsorships. The development boasts world-class sports training academies, providing a first class forum to train aspiring young talent and professionals alike. The real estate component of the project will provide a comprehensive community lifestyle for its residents, centred around sport and healthy living. Dubai Sports City will succeed in putting sports permanently on the map in this ideal environment. Where else would you see such a perfect blend? There is no better fit than Dubai Sports City between the Northern and Southern hemispheres”, claims Dubai Sports City’s CEO, U Balasubramaniam. And considering Dubai’s increasingly active social calendar, it seems that it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. “There’s always a sports event happening in Dubai, and Dubai Sports City will not just cater to sports, ours are all multi-purpose venues”, says Al Zarooni. “We consider it our duty to add to the current offering for sports tourism with appropriate touring packages for the whole family.” Given its ideal geographical location, Dubai Sports City also serves as the perfect venue for acclimatization for international players enroute to sporting events across hemispheres. Top of the line sports complexes are only the beginning. Now sport aficionados of every age and level have options for unleashing the power within. For instance, golf personality Ernie Els has endorsed Dubai Sports City with the first Ernie Els Design golf course in the Middle East. This 18-hole championship course will be the centerpiece of Dubai Sports City’s luxury residential golf community, ‘Victory Heights’. For sports enthusiasts looking to start or perfect their game, Dubai Sports City has brought branded sports academies onboard, from the first ever purpose built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility to the International Cricket Council’s own ICC Global Cricket Academy. There will also be a David Lloyd Tennis Academy and the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the US. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, let the pros do what they do best”, Al Zarooni says. “What builds further credibility to our association with these world renowned brands is that they are not just lending their names to the project but are actively involved in the management and running of their respective entities.” In addition, an area of 20 million square feet has been set aside for inner streets, community parks, gardens and landscaping. It has it all, offering end-users a concept that has substance, from residential and entertainment areas to a commercial district too. The Dubai Sports City will add value in every sphere. Its master plan comprises of international schools offering American, Arabic, British and Sub-continent curriculums, world-class medical,
Riding High with Al Kaheel A horse lover's paradise and a place where the uninitiated can discover, interact and connect with horses, that is the only way to describe Al Kaheel, a AED1.6 billion project offering 400 residences built in the open and unspoilt surroundings of the Dubailand Eco Zone.
U. Balasubramaniam Chief Executive Officer Dubai Sports City
hotel and leisure facilities, a country club, and a sports themed shopping mall with a leasing capacity of 1.3 million square feet. Ethics run high on Dubai Sports City’s list of priorities, with the board of directors dedicated to not over promising and under delivering. “You have to deliver what you promised. People are more selective and aware. They are experienced homeowners”, confides Balasubramaniam. “Our real estate components are quality assured by the global independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BVQI)”, Al Zarooni explains. “Quality is definitely the name of the game, and Dubai Sports City plans to not only quench the thirst for activity but also to give residents and investors a commercial and residential haven.” “To ensure safety measures are followed and safely executed throughout, Dubai Sports City has initiated countless traffic and security studies in collaboration with the world’s leaders to secure the highest possible standards”, explains Balasubramaniam. While skeptics will be hard pressed to find a similar international counterpart, Dubai Sports City still does not prescribe to the ‘build it and they will come’ theory and has undertaken a vigorous marketing initiative to achieve maximum regional and international exposure, staking claim to what they believe to be an exclusive and pioneering feat - an allencompassing sports themed lifestyle concept.
“We have a varied marketing strategy. Victory Heights was our first major launch. We believe in smart marketing as opposed to mass marketing. We are also tying up with real estate companies to further position and embed ourselves as the foremost alternative for Dubai’s residential and commercial needs”, says Balasubramaniam. In addition, Canal Residence West, a cosmopolitan Riviera style development, offers studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments that occupy an unbeatable location in the heart of the city. With a variety of sporting events to look forward to and an enviable lifestyle in one of the world’s most unique developments, Balasubramaniam is upbeat: “Our prices are competitive and so far, the sales figures for Dubai Sports City’s residential properties are sound. Dubai Sports City has been well received because it appeals to a cross-section of nationalities”, he confirms. To further compound the project’s success, he highlights the development’s ‘less is more’ philosophy, “Our golf course community offers 935 exclusive villas. With nine different interior designs to choose from, and a wealth of sporting and leisure diversity to be enjoyed, we’re not merely selling you a villa, but an entire luxury lifestyle.” Tel.: +9714 329 3300 www.dubaisportscity.ae
852
eB ts fo uDab i
Riding High with Al Kaheel A horse lover's paradise and a place where the uninitiated can discover, interact and connect with horses, that is the only way to describe Al Kaheel, a AED1.6 billion project offering 400 residences built in the open and unspoilt surroundings of the Dubailand Eco Zone.
U. Balasubramaniam Chief Executive Officer Dubai Sports City
hotel and leisure facilities, a country club, and a sports themed shopping mall with a leasing capacity of 1.3 million square feet. Ethics run high on Dubai Sports City’s list of priorities, with the board of directors dedicated to not over promising and under delivering. “You have to deliver what you promised. People are more selective and aware. They are experienced homeowners”, confides Balasubramaniam. “Our real estate components are quality assured by the global independent certification body Bureau Veritas (BVQI)”, Al Zarooni explains. “Quality is definitely the name of the game, and Dubai Sports City plans to not only quench the thirst for activity but also to give residents and investors a commercial and residential haven.” “To ensure safety measures are followed and safely executed throughout, Dubai Sports City has initiated countless traffic and security studies in collaboration with the world’s leaders to secure the highest possible standards”, explains Balasubramaniam. While skeptics will be hard pressed to find a similar international counterpart, Dubai Sports City still does not prescribe to the ‘build it and they will come’ theory and has undertaken a vigorous marketing initiative to achieve maximum regional and international exposure, staking claim to what they believe to be an exclusive and pioneering feat - an allencompassing sports themed lifestyle concept.
“We have a varied marketing strategy. Victory Heights was our first major launch. We believe in smart marketing as opposed to mass marketing. We are also tying up with real estate companies to further position and embed ourselves as the foremost alternative for Dubai’s residential and commercial needs”, says Balasubramaniam. In addition, Canal Residence West, a cosmopolitan Riviera style development, offers studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments that occupy an unbeatable location in the heart of the city. With a variety of sporting events to look forward to and an enviable lifestyle in one of the world’s most unique developments, Balasubramaniam is upbeat: “Our prices are competitive and so far, the sales figures for Dubai Sports City’s residential properties are sound. Dubai Sports City has been well received because it appeals to a cross-section of nationalities”, he confirms. To further compound the project’s success, he highlights the development’s ‘less is more’ philosophy, “Our golf course community offers 935 exclusive villas. With nine different interior designs to choose from, and a wealth of sporting and leisure diversity to be enjoyed, we’re not merely selling you a villa, but an entire luxury lifestyle.” Tel.: +9714 329 3300 www.dubaisportscity.ae
852
eB ts fo uDab i
Al Kaheel Theatre
In its entirety and all its fascinating parts, Al Kaheel showcases the unique relationship between man and horse and delivers the ultimate equine experience to residents and guests, whether they are a novice or a seasoned equestrian. Nestled in the heart of the Dubai desert, on completion Al Kaheel will include a fully serviced luxury resort for horse lovers, with fine dining, shops and all the services of a lavish five star resort. There is also the option for furnished desert chalets available on timeshare, while luxury desert homes offer a rare opportunity to own or rent in an open and natural surrounding in an area with its own community centre and sports facilities. Added to the lavish living accommodation, there are also horse training facilities, livery and breeding barns, a state-of-the-art equine therapy spa, all purpose arenas, paddocks, riding trails and many other support and programmatic amenities one would expect at one of the world's great equine facilities. The park itself is a complex like no other; a stunning mélange of equine-centric attractions and experiences derived from the worlds of leisure, education and entertainment. Every evening the ‘jewel’ of Al Kaheel, an equine extravaganza will be held in the fantasia theatre. This custom built theatre of unsurpassed sophistication has been put aside to host this grand-scale spectacle featuring a superlative international cast of riders and dancers, acrobats and aerialists, entertainers and equine athletes. The 'Stable of the Stars', meanwhile, draws back the curtain and invites guests to come behindthe-scenes for a close encounter with the performers and their horses as they rehearse, recoup, train and fine-tune. As part of the Al Kaheel education experience, 'Meet the Horse' will be a first-of-its-kind, user-friendly, hand-and-body-on experience that introduces the novice horse enthusiast to a safe and welcoming orientation into the equestrian world, from first touch through to the first ride. The Equus Discovered - the worlds first state-of-the-art interactive equine ‘edutainment’ centre, explores the breadth and diversity of the species and recounts the historic impact of the horse in human culture. A remarkable collection of artefacts, archives and interactive exhibits, the Museum also houses the Park's virtual reality experience. Recreating the past, the Al Kaheel 'Old Town' gives riders a chance to experience an era when the horse was man's most trusted
companion. Take a walk back in history where there will be Roman Chariot Races, Medieval Jousting, old west town fights and various other historical equine experiences that will delight and entertain the entire family. For the serious rider, the 'Natural Horsemanship and Draft Horse Barn' is the perfect place to indulge in hands-on activities and demonstrations. Guests looking for an encyclopaedic sampler of the incredible variety of horse types, as well as their habits and capabilities, will find more than they ever imagined in the 'Breeds of the World Barn'. This comes complemented by the park's 'Palace of Champions', which houses an elite group of prize-winning horses. Demonstrations and performances of these horses are planned to take place throughout the day in the adjacent covered show arena. Add to this the indoor, climate-controlled arenas for the year round use of hosting international events and competitions, trade fairs and horse shows. The very same location will also be the setting for the 'Weekend Fair', a weekly renaissance fair styled horse festival that offers an opportunity for anyone and everyone to enjoy an up-close experience with the horses. The colour, sound and excitement of the show ring, 'Parades of Breeds and Champions', 'The Natural Horsemanship Academy', mare and foal shows, horse-drawn carriage tours, night rides and desert trekking all combine to make Al Kaheel the ultimate equine experience. All this and the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a working horse farm and above all the horses themselves, delighting the eye and inspiring the imagination around every turn. Special events and group outings for celebrations and parties are available and offer a superb opportunity to purchase horse related merchandise in a traditional souk ambience with theme based fine foods and refreshments. Al Kaheel is a distinctively different resort that all the family will appreciate and enjoy, thus ensuring that Dubai becomes the destination of choice for the international horse enthusiast. There is no excuse, then, for not grasping the reins of all that is possible in this kingdom and going for a 'Fly Without Wings'. Tel.:+9714 341 1119 www.alkaheel.com
260
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
261
Al Kaheel Theatre
In its entirety and all its fascinating parts, Al Kaheel showcases the unique relationship between man and horse and delivers the ultimate equine experience to residents and guests, whether they are a novice or a seasoned equestrian. Nestled in the heart of the Dubai desert, on completion Al Kaheel will include a fully serviced luxury resort for horse lovers, with fine dining, shops and all the services of a lavish five star resort. There is also the option for furnished desert chalets available on timeshare, while luxury desert homes offer a rare opportunity to own or rent in an open and natural surrounding in an area with its own community centre and sports facilities. Added to the lavish living accommodation, there are also horse training facilities, livery and breeding barns, a state-of-the-art equine therapy spa, all purpose arenas, paddocks, riding trails and many other support and programmatic amenities one would expect at one of the world's great equine facilities. The park itself is a complex like no other; a stunning mélange of equine-centric attractions and experiences derived from the worlds of leisure, education and entertainment. Every evening the ‘jewel’ of Al Kaheel, an equine extravaganza will be held in the fantasia theatre. This custom built theatre of unsurpassed sophistication has been put aside to host this grand-scale spectacle featuring a superlative international cast of riders and dancers, acrobats and aerialists, entertainers and equine athletes. The 'Stable of the Stars', meanwhile, draws back the curtain and invites guests to come behindthe-scenes for a close encounter with the performers and their horses as they rehearse, recoup, train and fine-tune. As part of the Al Kaheel education experience, 'Meet the Horse' will be a first-of-its-kind, user-friendly, hand-and-body-on experience that introduces the novice horse enthusiast to a safe and welcoming orientation into the equestrian world, from first touch through to the first ride. The Equus Discovered - the worlds first state-of-the-art interactive equine ‘edutainment’ centre, explores the breadth and diversity of the species and recounts the historic impact of the horse in human culture. A remarkable collection of artefacts, archives and interactive exhibits, the Museum also houses the Park's virtual reality experience. Recreating the past, the Al Kaheel 'Old Town' gives riders a chance to experience an era when the horse was man's most trusted
companion. Take a walk back in history where there will be Roman Chariot Races, Medieval Jousting, old west town fights and various other historical equine experiences that will delight and entertain the entire family. For the serious rider, the 'Natural Horsemanship and Draft Horse Barn' is the perfect place to indulge in hands-on activities and demonstrations. Guests looking for an encyclopaedic sampler of the incredible variety of horse types, as well as their habits and capabilities, will find more than they ever imagined in the 'Breeds of the World Barn'. This comes complemented by the park's 'Palace of Champions', which houses an elite group of prize-winning horses. Demonstrations and performances of these horses are planned to take place throughout the day in the adjacent covered show arena. Add to this the indoor, climate-controlled arenas for the year round use of hosting international events and competitions, trade fairs and horse shows. The very same location will also be the setting for the 'Weekend Fair', a weekly renaissance fair styled horse festival that offers an opportunity for anyone and everyone to enjoy an up-close experience with the horses. The colour, sound and excitement of the show ring, 'Parades of Breeds and Champions', 'The Natural Horsemanship Academy', mare and foal shows, horse-drawn carriage tours, night rides and desert trekking all combine to make Al Kaheel the ultimate equine experience. All this and the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a working horse farm and above all the horses themselves, delighting the eye and inspiring the imagination around every turn. Special events and group outings for celebrations and parties are available and offer a superb opportunity to purchase horse related merchandise in a traditional souk ambience with theme based fine foods and refreshments. Al Kaheel is a distinctively different resort that all the family will appreciate and enjoy, thus ensuring that Dubai becomes the destination of choice for the international horse enthusiast. There is no excuse, then, for not grasping the reins of all that is possible in this kingdom and going for a 'Fly Without Wings'. Tel.:+9714 341 1119 www.alkaheel.com
260
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
261
12/28/2006
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Leads.qxp
4:47 PM
Page 1
Redefining the art of house hunting You can be assured of dealing with the best. Leads International Property Investments LLC is a Dubai-based company founded in 1993. Licensed to practice Buying, Selling, Renting and Investing, Leads also has a paid-up share capital of AED 3,000,000 and is bonded to the Government of Dubai by AED 9,000,000 to allow it to practice Total Property Management.
Denise C McGinty Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC
One of the first sectors that successfully propelled the emirate of Dubai onto the world stage was the freehold real estate market, initiated in 2001. After years of caution, a declaration was finally passed permitting expatriates to own property in the UAE. Despite the mushrooming plots, sceptics anxiously await what they believe is the inevitable bubble bursting, while others throw caution to the wind and invest heavily in the promise of a better life, a privileged existence and a perfect place to call home. Be it caution or passion with which you live your life, one certainty is that today’s Dubai is an exciting place to be, offering a standard of living that surpasses expectations anywhere regionally and, to some extent, worldwide. While combining safety and stability in a traditionally volatile region, the emirate has managed to create a blueprint for growth that has also captured the attention of neighbouring countries. Indeed, now developers are in the fray in an attempt to offer the best. This represents an “advantage for investors”, says Denise McGinty, Investment Director of Leads International Property Investments LLC. “Now, the accent is on fulfilling the increasingly exacting requirements of a savvier investor who enjoys a growing supply of properties to choose from.” It is this boom and the conviction that growth, not collapse, underscores Dubai’s future that has inspired property specialists like McGinty to set up real estate agencies in the emirate. She now offers a comprehensive service ranging from buying, selling and renting to investing and property management. With an expert team of trained agents and an impressive global client base, this no-nonsense realist nevertheless endorses living, working and above all, investing in Dubai. Modestly chalking up her successes to perfect timing, she says, “We all know that a lot of the expansion made so far in Dubai has not been made solely because of common business sense. It has been a case of being in the right place at the right time.” “However, things are changing and the more sophisticated investors who are coming in are demanding contracts and pre-verification of an off-plan investment and how it’s going to operate thereafter. It’s invigorating because the stakes of the game are always raised.”
264
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
265
Given its popularity, Dubai is ideal for raising the stakes. Quickly learning and improving upon tried and tested international methods, the ethos is to reinvent and enhance. Long gone are the days when Dubai’s freehold market resembled a free-for-all clearing house. In its place stands a maturing and economically viable investment market that is gaining international momentum, credibility and long-term stability, two leading examples being the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Business Bay. McGinty goes on to explain demand versus supply: “The original property prices were strong, soundly designed and positioned with the international market. That’s a realistic expectation”, she says, “[but] when you have an excess of 1.2 million residents here at the moment and a constant stream of business travellers and you only have 30,000 freehold units readily available in Dubai within a designated community offering schools and all the facilities, then people are willing to pay more in order to be in the right location.” With soaring prices, the demand shows no signs of slowing. So who buys? A large segment of investors constitutes western passport holders of Arab and Asian descent repatriating their money and, in most cases, Sharia’a compliant funds to the Middle East via Dubai. With a region in constant turmoil, these proud descendants dream of returning to their homelands, and with the opening of Dubai’s market, a life here is the next best thing. Many Arabs and Asians have spent their lives overseas fighting to preserve their traditions. While the benefits of a western education and lifestyle are acknowledged and appreciated, a parent’s wish is for their western-educated children to bring that knowledge back to the Middle East and apply it for the betterment of their people. Clearly, Dubai provides the life they are seeking in a culturally diverse, tax-free, non-violent cosmopolitan society. A perfect blend of East and West with the scales slightly tipped in the East’s favour. With the advent of the much-anticipated freehold law, a truly open real estate market is more than a pipe-dream and will inevitably lead to a huge change in the market and the manner in which business is conducted. On a national level, this law heralds the entrance of insurance companies, finance companies and pension funds. Even banks will start buying real estate in Dubai because they can own the land and it is officiated on paper. On a more personal level, the new law states that there will be certain dedicated areas where non-UAE citizens can own and live. They will have the rights to the house and the land and leading agents such as McGinty celebrate and support the government’s initiative and honour its desire to safeguard the majority of the country’s land for its indigenous residents. In McGinty’s opinion, being positive about everyday life and business is generally not what the European press likes to hear, with a tendency to focus more on the negatives. If countries shifted their focus on the positives, it would automatically lift the standards of acceptability. With the support of
its citizens, foreign residents, and entrepreneurs like McGinty, the success of launching Dubai as a brand in itself lies in an underlying passion and pride. She sums up the general consensus perfectly: “To be passionate about Dubai, you have to appreciate the massive input the government and royal family really give. When you realize just how positive it is and why we’re here…it just gives you goose bumps.” Do you think there is a solid economy being built here that will withstand political, cultural, geographical volatility? “This is something we discuss often. Look at the recent London terror threats. Nobody is safe no matter where he or she is in the world. I do think Dubai’s one of the safest places I have ever lived in. I’ve been to the States, Europe and Asia and I’m back here now. I feel very comfortable here. Yes, I have my own home back home but I think there is an awful lot to offer people here. The cost of living is not cheap. Don’t come out here thinking the streets are paved in gold because they’re not. It is an expensive place to live but you can alternatively live cheaper. You can buy your food in more economically minded ways. However, people are into convenience here. With a masterplanned community, you’re obviously paying for the master plan. You’re buying into something that makes it more agreeable for you to live there. Other areas in Dubai are equally nice on accommodation without master-planned communities associated with them.” What makes Leads different and how are you able to deliver a service that is superior to your competition? “We have an ethical and moral code of conduct, which is to not over promise and under deliver because that happens too much here. People are showing floor plans and show homes that do not at all correspond with the finished product. Certain nationalities expect 70-page contracts that they anticipate to be very transparent and legally binding. I’ve always performed at a higher level knowing that in five year’s time, there’s going to be a demand for such a service, so it’s just a continuation of what I do.” What do you believe is most effective in educating your clients about the Dubai market? “Don’t overblow an unrealistic dream. Steer your clients away from the media hype while retaining the positive aspect of what Dubai is all about so that they are not oversold in their minds. You have to be realistic with international pricing. What would that equivalent value buy you somewhere else, whether it is Europe, New York, Tokyo or anywhere else.” Ms Denise C McGinty - Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC Al Maktoum St., Dubai - PO Box 10281, UAE Tel.: +9714 221 1993 - Fax: +9714 221 1997 Mobile: +97150 644 2752 www.propertiesindubai.com
12/28/2006
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Leads.qxp
4:47 PM
Page 1
Redefining the art of house hunting You can be assured of dealing with the best. Leads International Property Investments LLC is a Dubai-based company founded in 1993. Licensed to practice Buying, Selling, Renting and Investing, Leads also has a paid-up share capital of AED 3,000,000 and is bonded to the Government of Dubai by AED 9,000,000 to allow it to practice Total Property Management.
Denise C McGinty Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC
One of the first sectors that successfully propelled the emirate of Dubai onto the world stage was the freehold real estate market, initiated in 2001. After years of caution, a declaration was finally passed permitting expatriates to own property in the UAE. Despite the mushrooming plots, sceptics anxiously await what they believe is the inevitable bubble bursting, while others throw caution to the wind and invest heavily in the promise of a better life, a privileged existence and a perfect place to call home. Be it caution or passion with which you live your life, one certainty is that today’s Dubai is an exciting place to be, offering a standard of living that surpasses expectations anywhere regionally and, to some extent, worldwide. While combining safety and stability in a traditionally volatile region, the emirate has managed to create a blueprint for growth that has also captured the attention of neighbouring countries. Indeed, now developers are in the fray in an attempt to offer the best. This represents an “advantage for investors”, says Denise McGinty, Investment Director of Leads International Property Investments LLC. “Now, the accent is on fulfilling the increasingly exacting requirements of a savvier investor who enjoys a growing supply of properties to choose from.” It is this boom and the conviction that growth, not collapse, underscores Dubai’s future that has inspired property specialists like McGinty to set up real estate agencies in the emirate. She now offers a comprehensive service ranging from buying, selling and renting to investing and property management. With an expert team of trained agents and an impressive global client base, this no-nonsense realist nevertheless endorses living, working and above all, investing in Dubai. Modestly chalking up her successes to perfect timing, she says, “We all know that a lot of the expansion made so far in Dubai has not been made solely because of common business sense. It has been a case of being in the right place at the right time.” “However, things are changing and the more sophisticated investors who are coming in are demanding contracts and pre-verification of an off-plan investment and how it’s going to operate thereafter. It’s invigorating because the stakes of the game are always raised.”
264
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
265
Given its popularity, Dubai is ideal for raising the stakes. Quickly learning and improving upon tried and tested international methods, the ethos is to reinvent and enhance. Long gone are the days when Dubai’s freehold market resembled a free-for-all clearing house. In its place stands a maturing and economically viable investment market that is gaining international momentum, credibility and long-term stability, two leading examples being the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Business Bay. McGinty goes on to explain demand versus supply: “The original property prices were strong, soundly designed and positioned with the international market. That’s a realistic expectation”, she says, “[but] when you have an excess of 1.2 million residents here at the moment and a constant stream of business travellers and you only have 30,000 freehold units readily available in Dubai within a designated community offering schools and all the facilities, then people are willing to pay more in order to be in the right location.” With soaring prices, the demand shows no signs of slowing. So who buys? A large segment of investors constitutes western passport holders of Arab and Asian descent repatriating their money and, in most cases, Sharia’a compliant funds to the Middle East via Dubai. With a region in constant turmoil, these proud descendants dream of returning to their homelands, and with the opening of Dubai’s market, a life here is the next best thing. Many Arabs and Asians have spent their lives overseas fighting to preserve their traditions. While the benefits of a western education and lifestyle are acknowledged and appreciated, a parent’s wish is for their western-educated children to bring that knowledge back to the Middle East and apply it for the betterment of their people. Clearly, Dubai provides the life they are seeking in a culturally diverse, tax-free, non-violent cosmopolitan society. A perfect blend of East and West with the scales slightly tipped in the East’s favour. With the advent of the much-anticipated freehold law, a truly open real estate market is more than a pipe-dream and will inevitably lead to a huge change in the market and the manner in which business is conducted. On a national level, this law heralds the entrance of insurance companies, finance companies and pension funds. Even banks will start buying real estate in Dubai because they can own the land and it is officiated on paper. On a more personal level, the new law states that there will be certain dedicated areas where non-UAE citizens can own and live. They will have the rights to the house and the land and leading agents such as McGinty celebrate and support the government’s initiative and honour its desire to safeguard the majority of the country’s land for its indigenous residents. In McGinty’s opinion, being positive about everyday life and business is generally not what the European press likes to hear, with a tendency to focus more on the negatives. If countries shifted their focus on the positives, it would automatically lift the standards of acceptability. With the support of
its citizens, foreign residents, and entrepreneurs like McGinty, the success of launching Dubai as a brand in itself lies in an underlying passion and pride. She sums up the general consensus perfectly: “To be passionate about Dubai, you have to appreciate the massive input the government and royal family really give. When you realize just how positive it is and why we’re here…it just gives you goose bumps.” Do you think there is a solid economy being built here that will withstand political, cultural, geographical volatility? “This is something we discuss often. Look at the recent London terror threats. Nobody is safe no matter where he or she is in the world. I do think Dubai’s one of the safest places I have ever lived in. I’ve been to the States, Europe and Asia and I’m back here now. I feel very comfortable here. Yes, I have my own home back home but I think there is an awful lot to offer people here. The cost of living is not cheap. Don’t come out here thinking the streets are paved in gold because they’re not. It is an expensive place to live but you can alternatively live cheaper. You can buy your food in more economically minded ways. However, people are into convenience here. With a masterplanned community, you’re obviously paying for the master plan. You’re buying into something that makes it more agreeable for you to live there. Other areas in Dubai are equally nice on accommodation without master-planned communities associated with them.” What makes Leads different and how are you able to deliver a service that is superior to your competition? “We have an ethical and moral code of conduct, which is to not over promise and under deliver because that happens too much here. People are showing floor plans and show homes that do not at all correspond with the finished product. Certain nationalities expect 70-page contracts that they anticipate to be very transparent and legally binding. I’ve always performed at a higher level knowing that in five year’s time, there’s going to be a demand for such a service, so it’s just a continuation of what I do.” What do you believe is most effective in educating your clients about the Dubai market? “Don’t overblow an unrealistic dream. Steer your clients away from the media hype while retaining the positive aspect of what Dubai is all about so that they are not oversold in their minds. You have to be realistic with international pricing. What would that equivalent value buy you somewhere else, whether it is Europe, New York, Tokyo or anywhere else.” Ms Denise C McGinty - Investment Director Leads International Property Investments LLC Al Maktoum St., Dubai - PO Box 10281, UAE Tel.: +9714 221 1993 - Fax: +9714 221 1997 Mobile: +97150 644 2752 www.propertiesindubai.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Emirates Gate Real Estate - Approved.qxp
12/28/2006
11:11 AM
Page 1
Together, We Grow It is no secret that Dubai’s property market is booming with more and more people relocating to the region to take advantage of the tremendous business opportunities in the Emirates. There are many Real Estate companies catering to the market’s demands, with only a few really fulfilling client’s needs. Emirates Gate Real Estate takes a personalised approach to its business and therefore by far differentiates itself from the rest! Samer Al Omari, Chairman
Real estate in Dubai is the art of dealing with people and the science of dealing with properties. Emirates Gate Real Estate is one of the fastest growing property companies in the UAE. This growth is made possible because the company distinguishes itself by providing exceptional customer service, combined with an excellent product knowledge that comes from its market experience and solid research. Whether the client is interested in buying, selling, renting or simply enquiring about the market and its benefits and pitfalls, as well as property related legal and financial information, Emirates Gate Real Estate has a multinational team that deals with client enquiries in over 10 different languages. This diversity means cultural issues are never a problem. With a vision that ensures a powerful partnership with clients and a dedication to understanding their needs, the company takes great pride in being able to exceed expectations. Nothing less would be expected from a company with business ethics that include integrity, reliability, honesty, a prompt response and correctly processing transactions. The vast real estate offerings in this region provide numerous options for investors, however selecting the most beneficial investment is often a matter of being at the right place at the right time and knowing what to pick. Emirates Gate Real Estate empowers their team to explore new horizons and develop tailor made solutions that provide customers with new and innovative ways to minimize their efforts and maximize their returns on investments. Company chairman, Samer Al Omari,
262
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
263
is certainly one to lead by example, sharing his wealth of market knowledge with customers and employees alike. His 15 years of managerial experience with petroleum giant Shell has provided him with extraordinary customer care and leadership training and this is now being passed on throughout the organization. Add to this the experience of having lived in eight of the more than 90 countries he has visited, coupled with the ability to speak five languages, Al Omari, like his company, can easily transcend cultural barriers and address any problems that may arise because of differing nationalities. Emirates Gate Real Estate products are carefully handpicked according to best location, pricing, finance options and most secure legal status, which makes the offers extremely attractive for both investors and end users. The company takes a proactive approach to business and is continuously searching for new products and services and offers a wide range of residential and commercial properties, as well as plots of land. They specialize, however, in medium pricerange residential properties, such as two, three and four bedroom villas and townhouses, catering for the demand of the rapidly growing middle class market of the UAE. Going from strength to strength, Emirates Gate Real Estate currently has two offices on Sheikh Zayed Rd, in Dubai, and are looking to expand within the Gulf region. As such, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait have been touted as potential prospects during the course of 2007/08. Tel.: +9714 3215810 www.emiratesgatere.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Emirates Gate Real Estate - Approved.qxp
12/28/2006
11:11 AM
Page 1
Together, We Grow It is no secret that Dubai’s property market is booming with more and more people relocating to the region to take advantage of the tremendous business opportunities in the Emirates. There are many Real Estate companies catering to the market’s demands, with only a few really fulfilling client’s needs. Emirates Gate Real Estate takes a personalised approach to its business and therefore by far differentiates itself from the rest! Samer Al Omari, Chairman
Real estate in Dubai is the art of dealing with people and the science of dealing with properties. Emirates Gate Real Estate is one of the fastest growing property companies in the UAE. This growth is made possible because the company distinguishes itself by providing exceptional customer service, combined with an excellent product knowledge that comes from its market experience and solid research. Whether the client is interested in buying, selling, renting or simply enquiring about the market and its benefits and pitfalls, as well as property related legal and financial information, Emirates Gate Real Estate has a multinational team that deals with client enquiries in over 10 different languages. This diversity means cultural issues are never a problem. With a vision that ensures a powerful partnership with clients and a dedication to understanding their needs, the company takes great pride in being able to exceed expectations. Nothing less would be expected from a company with business ethics that include integrity, reliability, honesty, a prompt response and correctly processing transactions. The vast real estate offerings in this region provide numerous options for investors, however selecting the most beneficial investment is often a matter of being at the right place at the right time and knowing what to pick. Emirates Gate Real Estate empowers their team to explore new horizons and develop tailor made solutions that provide customers with new and innovative ways to minimize their efforts and maximize their returns on investments. Company chairman, Samer Al Omari,
262
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
263
is certainly one to lead by example, sharing his wealth of market knowledge with customers and employees alike. His 15 years of managerial experience with petroleum giant Shell has provided him with extraordinary customer care and leadership training and this is now being passed on throughout the organization. Add to this the experience of having lived in eight of the more than 90 countries he has visited, coupled with the ability to speak five languages, Al Omari, like his company, can easily transcend cultural barriers and address any problems that may arise because of differing nationalities. Emirates Gate Real Estate products are carefully handpicked according to best location, pricing, finance options and most secure legal status, which makes the offers extremely attractive for both investors and end users. The company takes a proactive approach to business and is continuously searching for new products and services and offers a wide range of residential and commercial properties, as well as plots of land. They specialize, however, in medium pricerange residential properties, such as two, three and four bedroom villas and townhouses, catering for the demand of the rapidly growing middle class market of the UAE. Going from strength to strength, Emirates Gate Real Estate currently has two offices on Sheikh Zayed Rd, in Dubai, and are looking to expand within the Gulf region. As such, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait have been touted as potential prospects during the course of 2007/08. Tel.: +9714 3215810 www.emiratesgatere.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Al Maskan.qxp
12/27/2006
1:08 PM
Page 1
Future Growth Today
Junaid Sharaf, General Manager of Al Maskan Real Estate, shares his views on how real estate companies need to focus on excellent customer service as a key to success.
Part of the diversified Sharaf Group, with interests ranging from retail, electronics and cargo, to financial services, travel and tourism, Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas, towers and shopping centres. Their latest achievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road.
How did Al Maskan start and why and when did you choose to open an office in Dubai? “Al Maskan has a long history in Dubai. Real estate was a big part of the Sharaf group ever since it was established in 1975. Over the years, the Sharaf group has acquired buildings and has developed homes as well. With its real estate portfolio growing, a division was created within the group to manage the properties and introduce new investments and developments. Soon the division grew into Sharaf Real Estate in 1992 and then Al Maskan Real Estate in 2002.” What qualities are required to be a successful realtor? “You must be welcoming at first to capture the client, then you must have knowledge about real estate in the region and the world to amaze him. The customer is king; whatever he says, you must honour and follow. Even though the customer might not be a buyer, you must still treat him like one.” What sort of properties do you handle and what would you rate the overall response to be? “Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas, towers and shopping centres (like the Times Square Centre). Our latest achievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road. Close to that we have a new non-freehold 47-floor tower under development on the Sheikh Zayed Road. People and businesses have responded well to our developments; we usually have the building fully leased or sold if it is freehold, before it is built. We are letting them go so fast that we some times forget to leave space for our own companies to occupy.” Who are the buyers / investors? “We have a diverse range of buyers and investors, but mostly they are people with whom we already havestrong business ties, as they trust us immensely and through their word of mouth, we earn the trust of many others.” Do you feel market prices on offer are justifiable for such a young freehold market and developing country? “Yes I strongly see that the market in Dubai, although sometimes exaggerated by speculators and people worried about increasing rents, is very solid and has a good future ahead of it. The recent commotion surrounding the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and P&O take over created quite a stir in the U.S. and the world in general. New acquisitions by other investment houses in the UAE are making Dubai more famous and popular. As an employee of the Sharaf Group, I have witnessed a great number of businesses interested in starting joint ventures in the UAE, especially in industry. Dubai is a hub for all the names and brands and many choose Dubai as the operations centre for the entire MENA region. For that and for other reasons, Dubai is assured a big spot in the future of the world. Let’s not forget landmark developments such as the World Islands, the Palm Islands and all the wonders being developed at Dubailand. This ensures a continuous flow of people who want to find a place in
266
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
267
Dubai and a continuous volume of companies that want to be a part of this marvellous growth.” In your opinion, what will Dubai’s real estate landscape look like in 10 or 20 years from now? “I think Dubai has a very bright future in the next 10 years, as the city is taking precautions to ensure a solid future. It is thanks to our ruling family, the Al Maktoum family and their continuous commitment to the country that Dubai is in safe hands. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, personally attends the Dubai Strategy Forum to listen and to tell the world where and what Dubai will be in the future. In 20 years, Dubai will have developed into a metropolis to rival the largest and most advanced cities in the world and it is those who invest in real estate now that will receive the best return in the future.” How would you appease those skeptics out there who are still wary of investing in the Dubai fantasy? Why should they invest here as opposed to somewhere more secure and established? “There is a list that I usually show my guests and clients to reassure them about investing in Dubai. First of all, I always mention the ruling families and how their role in the UAE has helped cultivate an environment that is attractive and safe for investments. Then I take them down the list of developments and the record-breaking achievements of Dubai. Many are worried about who will occupy all these developments, I usually reassure them by showing statistical information about the high occupancy rates. Even though rents are soaring, it is usually a challenge to find an empty space to occupy as a business or residence.” Do you think the proverbial bubble will, sooner or later, burst or is there a solid economy being built here that will withstand political, cultural, geographical volatility? “I am an optimist when it comes to Dubai’s vision, which is to lead. This is the same vision as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In his latest book he stated that “If you enter a race then you should enter it with the intention to win.” I am a pessimist when it comes to execution, however. I like to face reality dead on when it comes to creating and building. I believe that the bubble will not burst as long as there is growth. If you keep growing and there is still room to flourish and people want to develop with you then that bubble is very far from bursting. Many were skeptical about the early developments such as Dubai Marina, and that was viewed at the time as a bubble that would burst, but that didn’t happen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed himself said that all that has happened is just 10 per cent of what is to come. If you look at a map of Dubai, it hardly occupies 10 per cent of the Emirate. If Dubai grows, so will the business opportunities. If the opportunities blossom, then people will capture that opportunity and start a business and in effect that will generate a cascade of continuous requirements that will surely fill newly built properties. Let’s not forget that the freehold market is still young in Dubai. Most importantly, Dubai is being led by a great leader who is setting a clear vision and continuously supporting it.” Tel.: +9714 352 2122 www.almaskan.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Al Maskan.qxp
12/27/2006
1:08 PM
Page 1
Future Growth Today
Junaid Sharaf, General Manager of Al Maskan Real Estate, shares his views on how real estate companies need to focus on excellent customer service as a key to success.
Part of the diversified Sharaf Group, with interests ranging from retail, electronics and cargo, to financial services, travel and tourism, Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas, towers and shopping centres. Their latest achievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road.
How did Al Maskan start and why and when did you choose to open an office in Dubai? “Al Maskan has a long history in Dubai. Real estate was a big part of the Sharaf group ever since it was established in 1975. Over the years, the Sharaf group has acquired buildings and has developed homes as well. With its real estate portfolio growing, a division was created within the group to manage the properties and introduce new investments and developments. Soon the division grew into Sharaf Real Estate in 1992 and then Al Maskan Real Estate in 2002.” What qualities are required to be a successful realtor? “You must be welcoming at first to capture the client, then you must have knowledge about real estate in the region and the world to amaze him. The customer is king; whatever he says, you must honour and follow. Even though the customer might not be a buyer, you must still treat him like one.” What sort of properties do you handle and what would you rate the overall response to be? “Al Maskan handles a diverse range of properties: villas, towers and shopping centres (like the Times Square Centre). Our latest achievement was the Freehold Tower Marina Residence at Dubai Marina, which is a glamorous 16-floor tower facing both the Marina and Sheikh Zayed road. Close to that we have a new non-freehold 47-floor tower under development on the Sheikh Zayed Road. People and businesses have responded well to our developments; we usually have the building fully leased or sold if it is freehold, before it is built. We are letting them go so fast that we some times forget to leave space for our own companies to occupy.” Who are the buyers / investors? “We have a diverse range of buyers and investors, but mostly they are people with whom we already havestrong business ties, as they trust us immensely and through their word of mouth, we earn the trust of many others.” Do you feel market prices on offer are justifiable for such a young freehold market and developing country? “Yes I strongly see that the market in Dubai, although sometimes exaggerated by speculators and people worried about increasing rents, is very solid and has a good future ahead of it. The recent commotion surrounding the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) and P&O take over created quite a stir in the U.S. and the world in general. New acquisitions by other investment houses in the UAE are making Dubai more famous and popular. As an employee of the Sharaf Group, I have witnessed a great number of businesses interested in starting joint ventures in the UAE, especially in industry. Dubai is a hub for all the names and brands and many choose Dubai as the operations centre for the entire MENA region. For that and for other reasons, Dubai is assured a big spot in the future of the world. Let’s not forget landmark developments such as the World Islands, the Palm Islands and all the wonders being developed at Dubailand. This ensures a continuous flow of people who want to find a place in
266
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
267
Dubai and a continuous volume of companies that want to be a part of this marvellous growth.” In your opinion, what will Dubai’s real estate landscape look like in 10 or 20 years from now? “I think Dubai has a very bright future in the next 10 years, as the city is taking precautions to ensure a solid future. It is thanks to our ruling family, the Al Maktoum family and their continuous commitment to the country that Dubai is in safe hands. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, personally attends the Dubai Strategy Forum to listen and to tell the world where and what Dubai will be in the future. In 20 years, Dubai will have developed into a metropolis to rival the largest and most advanced cities in the world and it is those who invest in real estate now that will receive the best return in the future.” How would you appease those skeptics out there who are still wary of investing in the Dubai fantasy? Why should they invest here as opposed to somewhere more secure and established? “There is a list that I usually show my guests and clients to reassure them about investing in Dubai. First of all, I always mention the ruling families and how their role in the UAE has helped cultivate an environment that is attractive and safe for investments. Then I take them down the list of developments and the record-breaking achievements of Dubai. Many are worried about who will occupy all these developments, I usually reassure them by showing statistical information about the high occupancy rates. Even though rents are soaring, it is usually a challenge to find an empty space to occupy as a business or residence.” Do you think the proverbial bubble will, sooner or later, burst or is there a solid economy being built here that will withstand political, cultural, geographical volatility? “I am an optimist when it comes to Dubai’s vision, which is to lead. This is the same vision as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In his latest book he stated that “If you enter a race then you should enter it with the intention to win.” I am a pessimist when it comes to execution, however. I like to face reality dead on when it comes to creating and building. I believe that the bubble will not burst as long as there is growth. If you keep growing and there is still room to flourish and people want to develop with you then that bubble is very far from bursting. Many were skeptical about the early developments such as Dubai Marina, and that was viewed at the time as a bubble that would burst, but that didn’t happen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed himself said that all that has happened is just 10 per cent of what is to come. If you look at a map of Dubai, it hardly occupies 10 per cent of the Emirate. If Dubai grows, so will the business opportunities. If the opportunities blossom, then people will capture that opportunity and start a business and in effect that will generate a cascade of continuous requirements that will surely fill newly built properties. Let’s not forget that the freehold market is still young in Dubai. Most importantly, Dubai is being led by a great leader who is setting a clear vision and continuously supporting it.” Tel.: +9714 352 2122 www.almaskan.com
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Enduring values, progressive thinking In today's cut-throat business world, there is no greater adage than 'only the strongest survive'. For the Shaikh family to have endured, diversified and prospered for almost a century by retaining the ability to conquer new horizons, the adage is underscored by an equally significant maxim: 'the best way to predict the future is to create it'. Kaiser Shaikh Chairman
Zeeshan, Shamrez, Kaiser & Imran Shaikh
268
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
269
Kaiser Shaikh's grandfather moved to Bahrain in 1913 and founded 'Ashrafs', what became one of the largest consumer products' distributors in the Gulf, representing such global brands as Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Christian Dior and Gillette. Little did he know that this entrepreneurial heritage under the direction of their father, Kaiser, would lead the Shaikh brothers - Imran, Shamrez and Zeeshan, to expand into a diversified private holding company with subsidiaries in real estate, business consulting, energy consulting and technology. With offices in North America and Dubai, the growth and success of Shaikh Holdings is a testament to the power of traditional values that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Investment in luxury real estate developments has rapidly emerged as the group's forte. Shaikh Holdings first ventured into the real estate arena in 1997, by making strategic investments in various residential waterfront properties, commercial land and office developments in Canada and the United States. Another area of its investment interest has been the hospitality sector, where Shaikh Holdings' has primarily focused on boutique and condo hotels. With a keen eye for identifying successful real estate opportunities, Shaikh Holdings made its first move into the Dubai real estate market in 2002, with the completion of significant property investments in iconic projects such as 'The Palm Islands', and formed a unique partnership with Nakheel in July 2003, the developers of 'The Palm' and 'The World'. "Since 2002 we have been making substantial investments in projects of all of Dubai's government developers", says Imran. "We strongly believe in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai and are proud to be a part of the realisation of this dream." Today, Shaikh Holdings' real estate activities in Dubai are primarily focused in three major areas: real estate development, real estate investments and marketing partnerships with Dubai government developers. Shaikh Holdings' companies have developed unique marketing agency partnerships with Nakheel, Dubai Properties and Emaar, to not only sell their properties but also create their brand awareness in North America. This has positioned Shaikh Holdings as the only group worldwide that represents all three of Dubai's government developers. "Our longstanding marketing partnerships with Dubai government developers have allowed us quicker access to properties and information on world-class projects by these developers. We have also thrived on maintaining a first mover advantage, capitalising on unique and compelling opportunities when they appear. This has translated into more interesting propositions and value for our clients", Shamrez explains. Having developed an excellent reputation and significant experience in the expanding Dubai freehold property market, Shaikh Holdings has become involved in the development of exclusive communities in Dubai. Shaikh Holdings is currently developing an exclusive 110 golf course villa development on the 'Earth' golf course designed by Greg Norman. The development is called 'Sanctuary Falls', and will be a waterthemed community architecturally resplendent with high-end luxury villas, stunning waterfalls and lakes. It will be ready in February 2009 and is part of the Jumeirah Golf Estates master development by Nakheel. "Family and comfort are important to us and that translates into our business initiatives as well", says Kaiser. "When we undertake a project, great emphasis is placed on the community aspect and the functionality of the project, as a live and play environment. We look to introduce eco-friendly and sustainable elements in our communities. We will bring this same approach to Sanctuary Falls." Determined to not just live the 'Dubai Dream', but to be instrumental in creating it, Shaikh Holding's technology
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Enduring values, progressive thinking In today's cut-throat business world, there is no greater adage than 'only the strongest survive'. For the Shaikh family to have endured, diversified and prospered for almost a century by retaining the ability to conquer new horizons, the adage is underscored by an equally significant maxim: 'the best way to predict the future is to create it'. Kaiser Shaikh Chairman
Zeeshan, Shamrez, Kaiser & Imran Shaikh
268
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
269
Kaiser Shaikh's grandfather moved to Bahrain in 1913 and founded 'Ashrafs', what became one of the largest consumer products' distributors in the Gulf, representing such global brands as Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Christian Dior and Gillette. Little did he know that this entrepreneurial heritage under the direction of their father, Kaiser, would lead the Shaikh brothers - Imran, Shamrez and Zeeshan, to expand into a diversified private holding company with subsidiaries in real estate, business consulting, energy consulting and technology. With offices in North America and Dubai, the growth and success of Shaikh Holdings is a testament to the power of traditional values that have been handed down from one generation to the next. Investment in luxury real estate developments has rapidly emerged as the group's forte. Shaikh Holdings first ventured into the real estate arena in 1997, by making strategic investments in various residential waterfront properties, commercial land and office developments in Canada and the United States. Another area of its investment interest has been the hospitality sector, where Shaikh Holdings' has primarily focused on boutique and condo hotels. With a keen eye for identifying successful real estate opportunities, Shaikh Holdings made its first move into the Dubai real estate market in 2002, with the completion of significant property investments in iconic projects such as 'The Palm Islands', and formed a unique partnership with Nakheel in July 2003, the developers of 'The Palm' and 'The World'. "Since 2002 we have been making substantial investments in projects of all of Dubai's government developers", says Imran. "We strongly believe in His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai and are proud to be a part of the realisation of this dream." Today, Shaikh Holdings' real estate activities in Dubai are primarily focused in three major areas: real estate development, real estate investments and marketing partnerships with Dubai government developers. Shaikh Holdings' companies have developed unique marketing agency partnerships with Nakheel, Dubai Properties and Emaar, to not only sell their properties but also create their brand awareness in North America. This has positioned Shaikh Holdings as the only group worldwide that represents all three of Dubai's government developers. "Our longstanding marketing partnerships with Dubai government developers have allowed us quicker access to properties and information on world-class projects by these developers. We have also thrived on maintaining a first mover advantage, capitalising on unique and compelling opportunities when they appear. This has translated into more interesting propositions and value for our clients", Shamrez explains. Having developed an excellent reputation and significant experience in the expanding Dubai freehold property market, Shaikh Holdings has become involved in the development of exclusive communities in Dubai. Shaikh Holdings is currently developing an exclusive 110 golf course villa development on the 'Earth' golf course designed by Greg Norman. The development is called 'Sanctuary Falls', and will be a waterthemed community architecturally resplendent with high-end luxury villas, stunning waterfalls and lakes. It will be ready in February 2009 and is part of the Jumeirah Golf Estates master development by Nakheel. "Family and comfort are important to us and that translates into our business initiatives as well", says Kaiser. "When we undertake a project, great emphasis is placed on the community aspect and the functionality of the project, as a live and play environment. We look to introduce eco-friendly and sustainable elements in our communities. We will bring this same approach to Sanctuary Falls." Determined to not just live the 'Dubai Dream', but to be instrumental in creating it, Shaikh Holding's technology
division was the brainchild behind the award-winning website: www.dubaipropertyauctions.com. The first of its kind in Dubai, www.dubaipropertyauctions.com, as the name suggests, is an online trading platform that allows buyers and sellers to interact directly with each other to reach a transaction most satisfyingly profitable for both parties. "We created an online marketplace where buyers and sellers of Dubai property could easily meet and, through a few clicks, negotiate deals, no matter where they are. Now a buyer from Hong Kong can negotiate with a seller from the UK and have access to any information about the property at his fingertips", says Zeeshan. "We ensure complete security by providing escrow services through a Dubai law firm, and cutting-edge tools providing quality information on demand." Feedback from users is that the website provides more information and transparency than from the developers themselves. The unique trading platform has received numerous awards since its launch, and in 2005 was awarded the prestigious Bentley Award for Best Property Portal - Worldwide. Clearly an industry leader with an understanding of the needs of clients worldwide, Shaikh Holdings is also well placed to comment on the future status of the Dubai property market. So we asked them where they see the future of Dubai real estate going. Shaikh Holdings are selling the Dubai dream, how does it see the dream developing? Kaiser says: "We feel the right infrastructure is in place for the Dubai dream to be realized over a sustained period of 10 or 20 years but there is considerable work to be done. The current investment in real estate and infrastructure projects has been primarily fuelled by high energy prices and ample liquidity; however, future sustained growth is highly dependent on continued investment in public and private ventures together with a steady flow of expatriates moving to Dubai. To date, Dubai has built a strong foundation through local and regional investments but to ensure future growth and to be recognized as an international player in the business game, Dubai needs to attract a greater share of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, the GCC region attracts less than 1 per cent of the $ 400 billion FDI funds committed to emerging markets. A greater share of these FDI funds is critical to sustained economic growth in the UAE and Dubai." How does Shaikh Holdings see rental prices for offices and homes trending over the next few years? Imran says: Rental prices and purchase prices are dependent on the demand-supply equation. An important cause for continued strength in current rental and purchase prices of both commercial and residential properties, has been delays on the part of developers resulting in a continued crunch on the supply side. Delays in delivering units can be attributed to the following factors: First, while the number of construction projects has increased substantially, the number of construction firms to do the work has remained relatively unchanged leading to a severe shortage. Adding to this are changes in developers' master plans, such as changes to the development's layout, adding more floors to a building or more villas to a project. Finally, delays are being caused because master developers are not providing the needed infrastructure on time. As for rents of commercial office space, a combination of growing demand and subdued supply has pushed current vacancy rates to just 1 per cent. A study completed by Colliers International currently estimates total commercial office space in Dubai to be about 15 million square feet, which is expected to more than double to 31 million square feet by end 2008. We believe that up to mid 2007, limited supply shall maintain pressure on commercial office rents. However, if the planned rollout of projects in Business Bay, JLT, DIFC and TECOM maintain true to their delivery schedule, then by mid 2008 we should see some stabilization of office rents. As for residential properties, currently demand is outstripping supply. However, the market will soften and we could see a substantial rent correction in 2008 and beyond for two reasons. First, we believe the increased supply of units in the market to come online by 2008 will put downward pressure on rents. Also, as the home financing market
develops, financial institutions will make it easier for individuals to buy a home as opposed to renting a home. This will result in a decreased demand for rental properties and cause a drop in rental prices." Are 'quick killings' in the real estate market still possible or is the market maturing? Shamrez says: "There are definite signs that the market is settling down and we do feel that the opportunity to make a 'quick killing' is somewhat over. Those days were a period when the market was highly speculative. Although there is still a reasonable amount of speculation in the market, the returns have started to shrink. However, there are still significant opportunities in the medium to longterm in certain market segments. Firstly, with villas - both mid-level and high end villas. The planned supply of villas is insufficient to meet current demand. In terms of apartments, areas to look at are the low to mid-level segment. This market segment continues to be underserved as the majority of apartments to be delivered are focused on the high end. Another area for significant gains is in Class B Commercial Office space. The bulk of the commercial projects are Class A office space but the demand for Class B office space remains underserved." Shaikh Holdings has developed an award-winning online marketplace for properties in Dubai, and interactive 3D web-sites that allow booking properties directly through the internet. Is this likely to be a trend in the future for the property market? Zeeshan says: "There is a definite trend emerging towards moving information and transactions online, primarily so that greater accessibility and convenience are achieved. As people in the region become wellversed and comfortable with using the internet as a transaction tool, it will become increasingly important for the property market as well. The best way to predict the future is to create it. To this effect, our technology arm has been involved in developing innovative online applications to improve transaction experiences related to Dubai property, and drive progress toward this goal. However, real estate is a very specialized type of purchase. The key here is not just to move things online, but to develop modern ways of accessing information and allowing negotiation, while still maintaining traditional security that is available through escrow services and human contact. We are currently working on some very interesting ideas which will materialise in the near future." The legacy of the Shaikh family's entrepreneurial spirit of almost a century ago, and its spirit of innovation has propelled the company over the last decades to not only survive, but endure, diversify and prosper. By offering creative real estate solutions with a touch of their inimitable flair, it is expected that Shaikh Holdings will remain at the helm of Dubai's development where real estate reigns supreme, and genuine quality and innovation are prized commodities. The company certainly epitomizes its maxim as quoted by Zeeshan, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Tel: 800 SHAIKH Web: www.shaikh-holdings.com
Shaikh Holdings is developing a residential golfing community - Sanctuary Falls at Jumeirah Golf Estates
270
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
271
division was the brainchild behind the award-winning website: www.dubaipropertyauctions.com. The first of its kind in Dubai, www.dubaipropertyauctions.com, as the name suggests, is an online trading platform that allows buyers and sellers to interact directly with each other to reach a transaction most satisfyingly profitable for both parties. "We created an online marketplace where buyers and sellers of Dubai property could easily meet and, through a few clicks, negotiate deals, no matter where they are. Now a buyer from Hong Kong can negotiate with a seller from the UK and have access to any information about the property at his fingertips", says Zeeshan. "We ensure complete security by providing escrow services through a Dubai law firm, and cutting-edge tools providing quality information on demand." Feedback from users is that the website provides more information and transparency than from the developers themselves. The unique trading platform has received numerous awards since its launch, and in 2005 was awarded the prestigious Bentley Award for Best Property Portal - Worldwide. Clearly an industry leader with an understanding of the needs of clients worldwide, Shaikh Holdings is also well placed to comment on the future status of the Dubai property market. So we asked them where they see the future of Dubai real estate going. Shaikh Holdings are selling the Dubai dream, how does it see the dream developing? Kaiser says: "We feel the right infrastructure is in place for the Dubai dream to be realized over a sustained period of 10 or 20 years but there is considerable work to be done. The current investment in real estate and infrastructure projects has been primarily fuelled by high energy prices and ample liquidity; however, future sustained growth is highly dependent on continued investment in public and private ventures together with a steady flow of expatriates moving to Dubai. To date, Dubai has built a strong foundation through local and regional investments but to ensure future growth and to be recognized as an international player in the business game, Dubai needs to attract a greater share of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, the GCC region attracts less than 1 per cent of the $ 400 billion FDI funds committed to emerging markets. A greater share of these FDI funds is critical to sustained economic growth in the UAE and Dubai." How does Shaikh Holdings see rental prices for offices and homes trending over the next few years? Imran says: Rental prices and purchase prices are dependent on the demand-supply equation. An important cause for continued strength in current rental and purchase prices of both commercial and residential properties, has been delays on the part of developers resulting in a continued crunch on the supply side. Delays in delivering units can be attributed to the following factors: First, while the number of construction projects has increased substantially, the number of construction firms to do the work has remained relatively unchanged leading to a severe shortage. Adding to this are changes in developers' master plans, such as changes to the development's layout, adding more floors to a building or more villas to a project. Finally, delays are being caused because master developers are not providing the needed infrastructure on time. As for rents of commercial office space, a combination of growing demand and subdued supply has pushed current vacancy rates to just 1 per cent. A study completed by Colliers International currently estimates total commercial office space in Dubai to be about 15 million square feet, which is expected to more than double to 31 million square feet by end 2008. We believe that up to mid 2007, limited supply shall maintain pressure on commercial office rents. However, if the planned rollout of projects in Business Bay, JLT, DIFC and TECOM maintain true to their delivery schedule, then by mid 2008 we should see some stabilization of office rents. As for residential properties, currently demand is outstripping supply. However, the market will soften and we could see a substantial rent correction in 2008 and beyond for two reasons. First, we believe the increased supply of units in the market to come online by 2008 will put downward pressure on rents. Also, as the home financing market
develops, financial institutions will make it easier for individuals to buy a home as opposed to renting a home. This will result in a decreased demand for rental properties and cause a drop in rental prices." Are 'quick killings' in the real estate market still possible or is the market maturing? Shamrez says: "There are definite signs that the market is settling down and we do feel that the opportunity to make a 'quick killing' is somewhat over. Those days were a period when the market was highly speculative. Although there is still a reasonable amount of speculation in the market, the returns have started to shrink. However, there are still significant opportunities in the medium to longterm in certain market segments. Firstly, with villas - both mid-level and high end villas. The planned supply of villas is insufficient to meet current demand. In terms of apartments, areas to look at are the low to mid-level segment. This market segment continues to be underserved as the majority of apartments to be delivered are focused on the high end. Another area for significant gains is in Class B Commercial Office space. The bulk of the commercial projects are Class A office space but the demand for Class B office space remains underserved." Shaikh Holdings has developed an award-winning online marketplace for properties in Dubai, and interactive 3D web-sites that allow booking properties directly through the internet. Is this likely to be a trend in the future for the property market? Zeeshan says: "There is a definite trend emerging towards moving information and transactions online, primarily so that greater accessibility and convenience are achieved. As people in the region become wellversed and comfortable with using the internet as a transaction tool, it will become increasingly important for the property market as well. The best way to predict the future is to create it. To this effect, our technology arm has been involved in developing innovative online applications to improve transaction experiences related to Dubai property, and drive progress toward this goal. However, real estate is a very specialized type of purchase. The key here is not just to move things online, but to develop modern ways of accessing information and allowing negotiation, while still maintaining traditional security that is available through escrow services and human contact. We are currently working on some very interesting ideas which will materialise in the near future." The legacy of the Shaikh family's entrepreneurial spirit of almost a century ago, and its spirit of innovation has propelled the company over the last decades to not only survive, but endure, diversify and prosper. By offering creative real estate solutions with a touch of their inimitable flair, it is expected that Shaikh Holdings will remain at the helm of Dubai's development where real estate reigns supreme, and genuine quality and innovation are prized commodities. The company certainly epitomizes its maxim as quoted by Zeeshan, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Tel: 800 SHAIKH Web: www.shaikh-holdings.com
Shaikh Holdings is developing a residential golfing community - Sanctuary Falls at Jumeirah Golf Estates
270
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
271
Architecture, Property & Real Estate
Real Estate TV_L1.qxp
12/10/06
12:45 AM
Page 1
Real Time Real Estate A holding group that encompasses several subsidiary companies with a focus on international real estate, CP Holding focuses on Real Estate Development in its diverse and interesting angles, providing integrated solutions that are relevant to all aspects of the industry. With offices worldwide, the group companies are affiliated with many of the big names that have shaped Dubai today.
In this market one of its anchor activities is 'Real Estate TV.' Owned by Al Aqariya Investment, that is developing major projects in Dubai Studio City, the TV station is now a household name showcasing what's hot and what's not in the region's rapidly evolving real estate scenario. The Group has also developed other media ventures from public relations to creative web-site modelling with companies such as RE Media building on its in-house technology expertise to create an on-line Real Estate database. This is one of the fastest growing on-line databases that registers all properties in the market offered by real estate brokerage companies. Other real estate connected activities are HomesXpress, a company that specialises in real estate sales, marketing, and property management in the US and the Middle East, and hotel management through '5 Continents' which focuses on environmentally conscientious projects. In a market can sometimes lack cutting-edge creative entrepreneurship, the combination of high tech and Real Estate in its multiple forms, makes CP Holdings an unusual and remarkable company with innovative strands and synergies intertwined. Tel.: +9714 361 6374 www.cpih.com
274
Best of Dubai
Real Estate TV_L1.qxp
12/10/06
12:45 AM
Page 2
Real Estate Development Investments Management Resources Management Assets Management
A conglomorate in the real estate industry w w w. c p ih . c o m
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do". Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, engineer and architect
CHAPTER 15 Construction & Engineering
Courtesy of Pankaj Shah
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do". Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, engineer and architect
CHAPTER 15 Construction & Engineering
Courtesy of Pankaj Shah
1/4/2007
3:06 PM
Consturction & Engineering
Unimix4.qxp
Page 1
Cementing New Horizons Dubai has become synonymous with some of the world's most iconic buildings. From the majestic Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest and most magnificent hotel, to the futuristic Emirates Towers, voted the best hotel in the Middle East - Universal Concrete Products (Unimix) has contributed goods and services on a massive scale.
The Executive Towers at Business Bay
Projects currently being supplied by Unimix Burj Dubai Burj Dubai - The Residences Dubai Mall Jumeirah Beach Residence The Executive Towers at Business Bay City of Arabia Palm Jumeirah - The Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah - Vehicular Tunnel The Jewels Twin Towers Bavaria Executive Suites Etisalat Tower Damas Towers Marina Crown Gold Crest Views Jumeirah Beach Residence
Every year, the skyline of Dubai reaches new heights in aesthetic achievement and technical quality. Unimix is part of this unfolding cityscape and proud to be a partner in building history. It's thanks to their quality, reliability and unparalleled performance that the Dubai based Unimix has consolidated its position as the leading producer of ready-mixed concrete in Dubai. Unimix takes pride in its association with the most prestigious development in the world, 'The Burj Dubai', and considers it a reward from the industry in recognition of its dedication and commitment to quality. "We deeply care about our position in the market and we provide quality concrete at competitive market prices, backed with unrivalled technical services.” “We never take risks with quality and have always invested in technical resources and pride ourselves on the technical knowledge of the company as we always want to ensure the best quality for our clients", says Khalid M.S. Al Bakhit, Managing Director of Unimix. "Our business associates are not only our clients or suppliers of raw materials and
equipment, they are our ‘partners in progress", he adds. "Unimix welcomes the challenges, constantly adapting our operations to meet new technical advancements in the industry, to meet changing market requirements and stay ahead. Unimix is committed to growth and has an active investment policy in new plant and equipment to meet the demand in the market", says E.R. Menon, Technical Director of Unimix. Unimix currently operates a total of 9 concrete batch plants in 5 depots. It maintains a fleet of over 170 truck mixers, 21 mobile pumps, 16 stationary pumps and 52 placing booms. All equipment is less than four years old and in pristine condition. For over 29 years, Unimix has never lost sight of its founding values, based on trust and long- term relationships. No other concrete company in Dubai can claim the experience and expertise inherent in the Unimix proposition. It is a company that is proud of its heritage and promises to continuously challenge the boundaries of ambition.
Waterfront Tower
Completed projects supplied by Unimix Burj Al Arab Emirates Towers Jumeirah Beach Hotel Madinat Jumeirah Royal Mirage Grand Hyatt Twin Towers Shangri-la Hotel Grosvenor House The Tower Marina Terrace Al Seef Tower The Gate Building Dubai International Convention Center Mercato Mall
Tel.: +97143387816 www.unimix-uae.com
Burj Dubai
278
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
279
1/4/2007
3:06 PM
Consturction & Engineering
Unimix4.qxp
Page 1
Cementing New Horizons Dubai has become synonymous with some of the world's most iconic buildings. From the majestic Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest and most magnificent hotel, to the futuristic Emirates Towers, voted the best hotel in the Middle East - Universal Concrete Products (Unimix) has contributed goods and services on a massive scale.
The Executive Towers at Business Bay
Projects currently being supplied by Unimix Burj Dubai Burj Dubai - The Residences Dubai Mall Jumeirah Beach Residence The Executive Towers at Business Bay City of Arabia Palm Jumeirah - The Golden Mile Palm Jumeirah - Vehicular Tunnel The Jewels Twin Towers Bavaria Executive Suites Etisalat Tower Damas Towers Marina Crown Gold Crest Views Jumeirah Beach Residence
Every year, the skyline of Dubai reaches new heights in aesthetic achievement and technical quality. Unimix is part of this unfolding cityscape and proud to be a partner in building history. It's thanks to their quality, reliability and unparalleled performance that the Dubai based Unimix has consolidated its position as the leading producer of ready-mixed concrete in Dubai. Unimix takes pride in its association with the most prestigious development in the world, 'The Burj Dubai', and considers it a reward from the industry in recognition of its dedication and commitment to quality. "We deeply care about our position in the market and we provide quality concrete at competitive market prices, backed with unrivalled technical services.” “We never take risks with quality and have always invested in technical resources and pride ourselves on the technical knowledge of the company as we always want to ensure the best quality for our clients", says Khalid M.S. Al Bakhit, Managing Director of Unimix. "Our business associates are not only our clients or suppliers of raw materials and
equipment, they are our ‘partners in progress", he adds. "Unimix welcomes the challenges, constantly adapting our operations to meet new technical advancements in the industry, to meet changing market requirements and stay ahead. Unimix is committed to growth and has an active investment policy in new plant and equipment to meet the demand in the market", says E.R. Menon, Technical Director of Unimix. Unimix currently operates a total of 9 concrete batch plants in 5 depots. It maintains a fleet of over 170 truck mixers, 21 mobile pumps, 16 stationary pumps and 52 placing booms. All equipment is less than four years old and in pristine condition. For over 29 years, Unimix has never lost sight of its founding values, based on trust and long- term relationships. No other concrete company in Dubai can claim the experience and expertise inherent in the Unimix proposition. It is a company that is proud of its heritage and promises to continuously challenge the boundaries of ambition.
Waterfront Tower
Completed projects supplied by Unimix Burj Al Arab Emirates Towers Jumeirah Beach Hotel Madinat Jumeirah Royal Mirage Grand Hyatt Twin Towers Shangri-la Hotel Grosvenor House The Tower Marina Terrace Al Seef Tower The Gate Building Dubai International Convention Center Mercato Mall
Tel.: +97143387816 www.unimix-uae.com
Burj Dubai
278
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
279
Cummins.qxp
12/27/2006
1:56 PM
Page 1
Consturction & Engineering
1-2157.HÜ AZ_Made in 180x250
19.04.2006
16:53 Uhr
Seite 1
Power to the people Whether confirming Dubai as a crossroads of cultures and economies, or rebuilding Iraq that has been devastated by war, development and redevelopment is undoubtedly a massive industry in the Middle East. Underscoring this expansion is power and being able to generate enough to fire this growth.
Cummins has seen huge growth in its Middle East business during recent years, and anticipated to continue, especially in the Power Generation, Marine and Construction market sectors. Recognizing the global needs and regional expectations of its OEMs and end-user customers throughout the Middle East region, Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organization now has a specialist staff dedicated to all market sectors, including power generation, marine, construction equipment, transportation and, essentially, aftermarket support. With a dedicated help desk is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation is now available to advise and to help customers to make direct contact through various in-country outlets. Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation is ready and able to assist its customers with its ‘Specialist Personnel and Specialised Inventory’ throughout the region, whether they need guidance on the latest genuine parts number applicable to their Cummins engines, the right generator set application to meet their power requirements, the marine engine and related stern gear to meet their commercial or pleasure boat needs, or the right engine for their on or off highway equipment. The global commitment by Cummins to its ‘Quickserve’ process ensures its service support can repair and rebuild with confidence to customers, whether in-shop or out-of-shop, will be both timely and efficient, with all such outlets being measured against the same global standards. Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation ensures highest quality of service support through its numerous Middle East outlets, including both in-frame and out-of frame overhauls and complete engine rebuilds. Cummins engines ensure optimum performance to their users in maximum uptime, minimum fuel consumption and maximum engine life. By contacting the Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation and ‘Quickserve’, customers can repair and rebuild with confidence. Tel.: +9714 883 8998 www.cummins.com
280
Best of Dubai
Made in Germany...
...at home in the Middle East
Ingenious and innovative formwork, scaffolding and safety systems from a single source engineered to the most exacting expectations.
Hünnebeck is among the world leaders in formwork and scaffolding, for decades ranking among the lead players in the Near and Middle East, regularly involved in the safe and cost-efficient performance of complex construction work. We have our own subsidiary in Dubai from where our systems share in the on-time completion of the Burj Tower, for example. Contact us to find out more.
Hünnebeck Middle East FZE 12th Floor, Oud Metha Tower (Citybank Bldg.) Oud Metha Road P.O. Box: 119915, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: + 971 4 324 5522 Fax: + 971 4 324 4890 Cel: + 971 50 885 8465 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.huennebeck.com
Cummins.qxp
12/27/2006
1:56 PM
Page 1
Consturction & Engineering
1-2157.HÜ AZ_Made in 180x250
19.04.2006
16:53 Uhr
Seite 1
Power to the people Whether confirming Dubai as a crossroads of cultures and economies, or rebuilding Iraq that has been devastated by war, development and redevelopment is undoubtedly a massive industry in the Middle East. Underscoring this expansion is power and being able to generate enough to fire this growth.
Cummins has seen huge growth in its Middle East business during recent years, and anticipated to continue, especially in the Power Generation, Marine and Construction market sectors. Recognizing the global needs and regional expectations of its OEMs and end-user customers throughout the Middle East region, Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organization now has a specialist staff dedicated to all market sectors, including power generation, marine, construction equipment, transportation and, essentially, aftermarket support. With a dedicated help desk is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation is now available to advise and to help customers to make direct contact through various in-country outlets. Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation is ready and able to assist its customers with its ‘Specialist Personnel and Specialised Inventory’ throughout the region, whether they need guidance on the latest genuine parts number applicable to their Cummins engines, the right generator set application to meet their power requirements, the marine engine and related stern gear to meet their commercial or pleasure boat needs, or the right engine for their on or off highway equipment. The global commitment by Cummins to its ‘Quickserve’ process ensures its service support can repair and rebuild with confidence to customers, whether in-shop or out-of-shop, will be both timely and efficient, with all such outlets being measured against the same global standards. Cummins Regional Distribution Organisation ensures highest quality of service support through its numerous Middle East outlets, including both in-frame and out-of frame overhauls and complete engine rebuilds. Cummins engines ensure optimum performance to their users in maximum uptime, minimum fuel consumption and maximum engine life. By contacting the Cummins Middle East Regional Distribution Organisation and ‘Quickserve’, customers can repair and rebuild with confidence. Tel.: +9714 883 8998 www.cummins.com
280
Best of Dubai
Made in Germany...
...at home in the Middle East
Ingenious and innovative formwork, scaffolding and safety systems from a single source engineered to the most exacting expectations.
Hünnebeck is among the world leaders in formwork and scaffolding, for decades ranking among the lead players in the Near and Middle East, regularly involved in the safe and cost-efficient performance of complex construction work. We have our own subsidiary in Dubai from where our systems share in the on-time completion of the Burj Tower, for example. Contact us to find out more.
Hünnebeck Middle East FZE 12th Floor, Oud Metha Tower (Citybank Bldg.) Oud Metha Road P.O. Box: 119915, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: + 971 4 324 5522 Fax: + 971 4 324 4890 Cel: + 971 50 885 8465 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: www.huennebeck.com
"There is no quicker path to comprehensive development than cooperation in the fields of IT and communication". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 16 Technology
"There is no quicker path to comprehensive development than cooperation in the fields of IT and communication". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 16 Technology
12/26/2006
Technology
Acer.qxp
9:21 AM
Page 1
Upwardly Mobile A stream of innovative products and distribution deals has propelled Acer to the top of the region’s computing market.
It’s 8.30pm in one of Dubai’s major malls and my fingers are skating along an Acer TravelMate 4100 in a corner of a well-known coffee chain. This is how work should be. Quiet, efficient and uncomplicated. Acer isn’t alone among the technology giants in revolutionizing our work patterns – and leisure time for that matter – but few brands boast such a diverse range of products for the home and office. There was no summer slowdown for the 30-year-old brand, as it carried out the Middle East launch of the Aspire 9510 notebook – Acer’s first in the region to come with a built-in High Definition DVD – and Ferrari 1000 series, complete with a 12.1inch screen. The Aspire 9510 series contains the latest multimedia features such as TV-onNotebook, excellent graphics capabilities, audio, DVI-D and HDMI ports and Acer Video Conference solution with integrated Orbicam 1.3 megapixel Camera on top of the LCD panel. The 17-inch-wide Acer CrystalBrite display does not impact in its portability and weighing in at only 3.98kg, it is compact and light enough to be carried around. The Aspire 9510 portability capability is supported by an 8 cells Li-ion battery that can provide up to three hours of battery life. Supporting its pole position in the market is the inclusion of the InviLink™ Nplify™ technology in the Ferrari 1000 series. An accelerated mobile wireless technology, that supports advanced multiple radios, delivers superior performance and reliable connections while enabling emerging voice, video and data applications, the Ferrari 1000 is the first notebook from Acer to incorporate the latest wireless innovation. The smart model’s streamlined size disguises its internal power as it will also
284
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
285
boast SATA drives for high performance – drives that are currently only found on a few larger notebooks. Acer Middle East has also introduced three new additions to its home and office LCD monitors – the 22-inch AL2216W, 24inch AL2423W and 26-inch AL2616W – as the company anticipates widescreen technology will become the norm in the region’s display sector. Other major developments saw Acer form a partnership with MTC for distribution in Iraq. MTC, a leading IT distribution company in the MENA region, has a new 50,000 square foot assembly line and facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone and distributes regionally, including items such as desktops, notebooks, LCD monitors and CRT monitors. The premier IT brand also announced the completion of a three-year deal to supply more than 21,000 desktop computers to Emirates Airline, satisfying the airline’s worldwide technology requirements through NTS, a leading systems integrator in the Middle East. Acer ranks among the world’s top five branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus on globally marketing its brand-name products: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc. employs 5,600 people supporting dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries. Tel.: +9714 881 3111 www.acer.ae
12/26/2006
Technology
Acer.qxp
9:21 AM
Page 1
Upwardly Mobile A stream of innovative products and distribution deals has propelled Acer to the top of the region’s computing market.
It’s 8.30pm in one of Dubai’s major malls and my fingers are skating along an Acer TravelMate 4100 in a corner of a well-known coffee chain. This is how work should be. Quiet, efficient and uncomplicated. Acer isn’t alone among the technology giants in revolutionizing our work patterns – and leisure time for that matter – but few brands boast such a diverse range of products for the home and office. There was no summer slowdown for the 30-year-old brand, as it carried out the Middle East launch of the Aspire 9510 notebook – Acer’s first in the region to come with a built-in High Definition DVD – and Ferrari 1000 series, complete with a 12.1inch screen. The Aspire 9510 series contains the latest multimedia features such as TV-onNotebook, excellent graphics capabilities, audio, DVI-D and HDMI ports and Acer Video Conference solution with integrated Orbicam 1.3 megapixel Camera on top of the LCD panel. The 17-inch-wide Acer CrystalBrite display does not impact in its portability and weighing in at only 3.98kg, it is compact and light enough to be carried around. The Aspire 9510 portability capability is supported by an 8 cells Li-ion battery that can provide up to three hours of battery life. Supporting its pole position in the market is the inclusion of the InviLink™ Nplify™ technology in the Ferrari 1000 series. An accelerated mobile wireless technology, that supports advanced multiple radios, delivers superior performance and reliable connections while enabling emerging voice, video and data applications, the Ferrari 1000 is the first notebook from Acer to incorporate the latest wireless innovation. The smart model’s streamlined size disguises its internal power as it will also
284
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
285
boast SATA drives for high performance – drives that are currently only found on a few larger notebooks. Acer Middle East has also introduced three new additions to its home and office LCD monitors – the 22-inch AL2216W, 24inch AL2423W and 26-inch AL2616W – as the company anticipates widescreen technology will become the norm in the region’s display sector. Other major developments saw Acer form a partnership with MTC for distribution in Iraq. MTC, a leading IT distribution company in the MENA region, has a new 50,000 square foot assembly line and facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone and distributes regionally, including items such as desktops, notebooks, LCD monitors and CRT monitors. The premier IT brand also announced the completion of a three-year deal to supply more than 21,000 desktop computers to Emirates Airline, satisfying the airline’s worldwide technology requirements through NTS, a leading systems integrator in the Middle East. Acer ranks among the world’s top five branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus on globally marketing its brand-name products: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc. employs 5,600 people supporting dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries. Tel.: +9714 881 3111 www.acer.ae
12/27/2006
Technology
Bond.qxp
1:37 PM
Page 1
Integration Horizons
Touching 1.2 million today, with a population growth of 55 per cent in 2005 compared to 1995, in addition to its in-bound tourist influx reaching an estimated seven million tourists each year, if there are two areas that Dubai excels in then it has to be hospitality and retail. Everyone flocks to Dubai in search of something to buy and somewhere lovely to stay. Nicholas W. Mobayed with HH General Sheikh Mohmmad bin Rashid Al Maktum
In order to be the best, providing specialist services is a must. One such service that both hotels and malls are now looking at utilizing is communications technology that will keep consumers connected and entertained, as well as linking in-house networks and providing security and specialist systems for day-to-day operations. This is where Bond Communications fits in. Welcome to this Dubai-based technology integration specialist providing just such a service. A mutli-disciplinary organization, Bond Communications offers state-of the-art, innovative and integrated solutions in LAN/WAN wireless systems, security, biometric and traditional access control, surveillance and monitoring systems, hospitality and building automation systems, telecommunications, networking, car park management systems, professional audio visual systems, property management systems, HITV and VOD. For the hospitality industry, this means being able to provide guests and hotels with entertainment and solutions in finance and banking, multimedia and marketing, IP telephony and wireless connections, security and data management and archive systems. While guest entertainment, including audiovisual and lighting facilities, in-room entertainment and interactive services, means a greater likelihood of securing a strong client base, business solutions means decreased costs. Hotels employing Bond Communications' services, therefore, can expect a win-win outcome. It's no wonder names as big as 'Burj Al Arab', 'The Grand Hyatt' and 'Emirates Palace Hotel' in Abu Dhabi, to name but a few, have been quick to employ Bond Communications' services. While shopping malls, including the Burjuman Centre, have also seen the benefits of utilizing Bond Communications' services, it goes without saying that one of the company's biggest coups to date was being awarded the Dubai Mall Audio Visual Systems Package. Upon completion, the Dubai Mall, a part of the Burj Dubai development, will lay claim to being the world's largest shopping experience with a total area of 1.5 million square feet. For this package, Bond Communications will have overall responsibility for the design and implementation of the sound system, stage lighting, broadcast facilities and motorised stage platform. The platform, especially, will be a feature of the project. Composed of five adjacent stages, it will be the most advanced platform of its kind in the world, able to demonstrate video and graphics and provide exceptional effects on the specialized glass backed floor and sides with custom shaped LED's covering more than 4000 square feet. However, it is not just hotels and malls that can benefit from Bond Communications' services; mobility solutions, automation systems, car park management, telecommunications, point-of-sale, paging systems, multimedia video on demand, fingerprint/time attendance systems, intelligent light control systems, CCTV, security systems, queuing management systems, structured cabling, asset tagging and tracking, remote maintenance and tracking services, broadcasting solutions and technical event management can be developed to meet specific needs over all industries. Specialists in providing state-of-the-art, innovative and integrated IT solutions in the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and the Levant, Bond Communications is dedicated to delivering total integrated solutions, utilizing the latest technology and providing excellent value capable of working for the ultimate benefit of their clients. Tel.: +9714 343 4499 www.bondcommunications.com
286
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
287
12/27/2006
Technology
Bond.qxp
1:37 PM
Page 1
Integration Horizons
Touching 1.2 million today, with a population growth of 55 per cent in 2005 compared to 1995, in addition to its in-bound tourist influx reaching an estimated seven million tourists each year, if there are two areas that Dubai excels in then it has to be hospitality and retail. Everyone flocks to Dubai in search of something to buy and somewhere lovely to stay. Nicholas W. Mobayed with HH General Sheikh Mohmmad bin Rashid Al Maktum
In order to be the best, providing specialist services is a must. One such service that both hotels and malls are now looking at utilizing is communications technology that will keep consumers connected and entertained, as well as linking in-house networks and providing security and specialist systems for day-to-day operations. This is where Bond Communications fits in. Welcome to this Dubai-based technology integration specialist providing just such a service. A mutli-disciplinary organization, Bond Communications offers state-of the-art, innovative and integrated solutions in LAN/WAN wireless systems, security, biometric and traditional access control, surveillance and monitoring systems, hospitality and building automation systems, telecommunications, networking, car park management systems, professional audio visual systems, property management systems, HITV and VOD. For the hospitality industry, this means being able to provide guests and hotels with entertainment and solutions in finance and banking, multimedia and marketing, IP telephony and wireless connections, security and data management and archive systems. While guest entertainment, including audiovisual and lighting facilities, in-room entertainment and interactive services, means a greater likelihood of securing a strong client base, business solutions means decreased costs. Hotels employing Bond Communications' services, therefore, can expect a win-win outcome. It's no wonder names as big as 'Burj Al Arab', 'The Grand Hyatt' and 'Emirates Palace Hotel' in Abu Dhabi, to name but a few, have been quick to employ Bond Communications' services. While shopping malls, including the Burjuman Centre, have also seen the benefits of utilizing Bond Communications' services, it goes without saying that one of the company's biggest coups to date was being awarded the Dubai Mall Audio Visual Systems Package. Upon completion, the Dubai Mall, a part of the Burj Dubai development, will lay claim to being the world's largest shopping experience with a total area of 1.5 million square feet. For this package, Bond Communications will have overall responsibility for the design and implementation of the sound system, stage lighting, broadcast facilities and motorised stage platform. The platform, especially, will be a feature of the project. Composed of five adjacent stages, it will be the most advanced platform of its kind in the world, able to demonstrate video and graphics and provide exceptional effects on the specialized glass backed floor and sides with custom shaped LED's covering more than 4000 square feet. However, it is not just hotels and malls that can benefit from Bond Communications' services; mobility solutions, automation systems, car park management, telecommunications, point-of-sale, paging systems, multimedia video on demand, fingerprint/time attendance systems, intelligent light control systems, CCTV, security systems, queuing management systems, structured cabling, asset tagging and tracking, remote maintenance and tracking services, broadcasting solutions and technical event management can be developed to meet specific needs over all industries. Specialists in providing state-of-the-art, innovative and integrated IT solutions in the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and the Levant, Bond Communications is dedicated to delivering total integrated solutions, utilizing the latest technology and providing excellent value capable of working for the ultimate benefit of their clients. Tel.: +9714 343 4499 www.bondcommunications.com
286
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
287
Technology
More Computers1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:56 PM
Page 1
The Life Savers in Dubai
Solutions from above Getting a birds-eye view of geographic areas spanning the Middle East, Eastern Africa, the Gulf and Central Asia is easy with SIME's satellite and aerial imagery.
In an era of advanced data storage and backup technologies, despite the best data protection efforts, data losses still happen. At times like these, it is vital to know that hope is at hand with MORE data recovery services - the ultimate lifesaver for you and your data too.
In a similar scenario, Ms. Berit Paton-Reid had her laptop soaked in saltwater when the 2004 Tsunami hit Royal Islands in Maldives during her holiday. She returned to Dubai and approached several IT companies for help and they all guided her to the right place, MORE Computers - the Middle East's first, most experienced and technologically advanced data recovery service provider, based in Dubai. The MORE success story began in 2001, when three young tech-savvy gentlemen from India started a company in Bur Dubai. Soon the expertise of MORE Computers in the area of data recovery began to spread like wild fire among the emirate's IT fraternity. This has led major corporate heavyweights like Al Futtaim, Emirates Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank, Halliburton, Jumbo Electronics, Pepsi, Motorola and General Motors to resort to their critically vital services when they lost key data. In five years of its operation, MORE Computers was able to establish its position as the best data recovery company in the Middle East. Now the company enjoys the trust of clients from neighbouring states like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Clear about their mission, vision and strategy, the management at MORE Computers are well aware of the new technical advances taking place in the field of data recovery. "Because data recovery is a mission-critical business, requiring 24/7 service, we guarantee
that our customers receive the highest quality results in the fastest turn around time possible. To do so, we always keep ourselves updated and close to the technological advancements in the industry through in-house R&D and extensive training" says Mathew Varghese, Chief Technology Officer, MORE Computers. Today MORE computers recover data from most of the storage media like PC and Notebook drives, Server RAID arrays, backup tapes etc. Moreover their expertise is not limited to the Windows environment but is also applicable to other Operating systems like Apple MAC OS, Linux, and Netware etc. Even the small SD Cards, MMC cards which are used in Digital Cameras and Mobile phones. "In the last five years we have successfully handled more than 7000 cases of Data recovery. We'll be more accessible to our GCC customers when our branches in two other GCC countries will open next year", explains Mohammed Safiullah, Business Development Manager, MORE Computers. Coming back to Ms. Berit Paton-Reid's story, all her data was recovered within two working days, from the "wet and corroding drive." In her own words, "More Computers saved our company."
As the region's leading total Geo-Spatial and GIS solutions provider, Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) is committed to offering the most up-to-date images and related solutions together with unparalleled customer service. Working in partnership with its clients, SIME customizes solutions to meet specific needs with cutting edge technology. Established in 1997, the company is based in the UAE from where it services the Middle East, GCC, Eastern Africa and Central Asia too. Having built up a solid reputation for technological expertise, timely delivery, accuracy and reliability, a full range of products and services are available to provide you with an additional edge: - Worldwide coverage - Direct access - Cutting edge technology - Wide range of Geo-Spatial products and applications - Comprehensive archive of images
Tel.: +9714 393 4505 www.datarecovery.ae
Tel: +9714 266 1799 www.spaceimagingme.com
288
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
289
59
Best of Dubai
Technology
More Computers1.qxp
12/28/2006
4:56 PM
Page 1
The Life Savers in Dubai
Solutions from above Getting a birds-eye view of geographic areas spanning the Middle East, Eastern Africa, the Gulf and Central Asia is easy with SIME's satellite and aerial imagery.
In an era of advanced data storage and backup technologies, despite the best data protection efforts, data losses still happen. At times like these, it is vital to know that hope is at hand with MORE data recovery services - the ultimate lifesaver for you and your data too.
In a similar scenario, Ms. Berit Paton-Reid had her laptop soaked in saltwater when the 2004 Tsunami hit Royal Islands in Maldives during her holiday. She returned to Dubai and approached several IT companies for help and they all guided her to the right place, MORE Computers - the Middle East's first, most experienced and technologically advanced data recovery service provider, based in Dubai. The MORE success story began in 2001, when three young tech-savvy gentlemen from India started a company in Bur Dubai. Soon the expertise of MORE Computers in the area of data recovery began to spread like wild fire among the emirate's IT fraternity. This has led major corporate heavyweights like Al Futtaim, Emirates Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank, Halliburton, Jumbo Electronics, Pepsi, Motorola and General Motors to resort to their critically vital services when they lost key data. In five years of its operation, MORE Computers was able to establish its position as the best data recovery company in the Middle East. Now the company enjoys the trust of clients from neighbouring states like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Clear about their mission, vision and strategy, the management at MORE Computers are well aware of the new technical advances taking place in the field of data recovery. "Because data recovery is a mission-critical business, requiring 24/7 service, we guarantee
that our customers receive the highest quality results in the fastest turn around time possible. To do so, we always keep ourselves updated and close to the technological advancements in the industry through in-house R&D and extensive training" says Mathew Varghese, Chief Technology Officer, MORE Computers. Today MORE computers recover data from most of the storage media like PC and Notebook drives, Server RAID arrays, backup tapes etc. Moreover their expertise is not limited to the Windows environment but is also applicable to other Operating systems like Apple MAC OS, Linux, and Netware etc. Even the small SD Cards, MMC cards which are used in Digital Cameras and Mobile phones. "In the last five years we have successfully handled more than 7000 cases of Data recovery. We'll be more accessible to our GCC customers when our branches in two other GCC countries will open next year", explains Mohammed Safiullah, Business Development Manager, MORE Computers. Coming back to Ms. Berit Paton-Reid's story, all her data was recovered within two working days, from the "wet and corroding drive." In her own words, "More Computers saved our company."
As the region's leading total Geo-Spatial and GIS solutions provider, Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) is committed to offering the most up-to-date images and related solutions together with unparalleled customer service. Working in partnership with its clients, SIME customizes solutions to meet specific needs with cutting edge technology. Established in 1997, the company is based in the UAE from where it services the Middle East, GCC, Eastern Africa and Central Asia too. Having built up a solid reputation for technological expertise, timely delivery, accuracy and reliability, a full range of products and services are available to provide you with an additional edge: - Worldwide coverage - Direct access - Cutting edge technology - Wide range of Geo-Spatial products and applications - Comprehensive archive of images
Tel.: +9714 393 4505 www.datarecovery.ae
Tel: +9714 266 1799 www.spaceimagingme.com
288
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
289
59
Best of Dubai
"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat." Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher
CHAPTER 17 Food & Beverage
"Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat." Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher
CHAPTER 17 Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Unilever.qxp
1/4/2007
3:06 PM
Page 1
Oodles of Taste Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from product through recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience the company calls ‘Chefmanship.’ Mohamed El Salawy Marketing Manager Unilever Foodsolutions
A regional giant whose parent company, Unilever, has a vast worldwide presence, Unilever Bestfoods Foodsolutions was formed in 2003, when the giant international food supplier joined forces with Bestfoods, which had been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years. Partnering with leading distributors such as Binzager, Horeca and Raad stores, Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS) has become the major provider of complete foodstuffs in the Middle East, with leading brands such as Knorr, Hellmann’s, Bertolli, Flora, Pfanni and Carte d’Or all on its menu. Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from product through recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience the company calls ‘Chefmanship.’ Mohamed El Salawy, dynamic young marketing manager of UFS, says, “Our focus lies in understanding our customers and designing solutions specifically to meet their needs, using our expertise in taste, chefmanship, food technology and service, as well as the right choice of Unilever Foodsolutions products and brands.” So who says that packaged goods cannot be healthy as well as tasty? “As a leader in the global food market, we are committed to marketing great tasting foods that will make the healthy choice an easy choice”, El Salawy explains. Food fashions are like ladies’ hemlines, they change all the time. “Around the world there are huge cultural differences in people's attitudes towards food. When it comes to developing our brands, we learn from all these shades and nuances, aiming to provide options that reflect people's diverse tastes and lifestyles.” With such a large percentage of the population now eating meals away from home on a regular basis, Unilever Foodsolutions is helping out by supplying products that combine taste, consistent quality and healthier menu-options in a cost-effective way. High on the list of healthier products are Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Flora range, for instance. “Our consumer research tells us one key thing: people have higher expectations than ever from the foods they buy. Solutions vary as widely as our customers - products that add the right seasoning, flavour or texture, preprepared ingredients that save time in a busy kitchen and new ways of serving food on a large scale at consistent quality are just some examples.” He goes on to explain, “We believe in supporting our customers by offering them food solutions tailored to their needs. Hotels form a large part of our business, and we try to be the chef’s best friend. Our ‘chefmanship’ aims to save time – and ultimately money too – in terms of manpower, electricity, waste and lost opportunities. Canteens and quick-service restaurants, which are under extreme pressure to offer menus with healthier alternatives, are also prime targets for the Foodsolutions service.” UFS is constantly improving its supply chain processes, with the objective of becoming the most reliable supply chain in the industry. Its brand teams and operating divisions are supported by the Unilever Health Institute and its global nutrition and health network. Ultimately, UFS believes in helping consumers find healthier ways to eat away from home by providing great tasting food that is the freshest it can be. And freshness adds pizzazz to any menu. Tel.: +9714 881 5552 Email:
[email protected]
292
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
293
Food & Beverage
Unilever.qxp
1/4/2007
3:06 PM
Page 1
Oodles of Taste Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from product through recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience the company calls ‘Chefmanship.’ Mohamed El Salawy Marketing Manager Unilever Foodsolutions
A regional giant whose parent company, Unilever, has a vast worldwide presence, Unilever Bestfoods Foodsolutions was formed in 2003, when the giant international food supplier joined forces with Bestfoods, which had been operating in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years. Partnering with leading distributors such as Binzager, Horeca and Raad stores, Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS) has become the major provider of complete foodstuffs in the Middle East, with leading brands such as Knorr, Hellmann’s, Bertolli, Flora, Pfanni and Carte d’Or all on its menu. Unilever Foodsolutions offers a complete culinary concept, from product through recipes to follow-up marketing support, a customer experience the company calls ‘Chefmanship.’ Mohamed El Salawy, dynamic young marketing manager of UFS, says, “Our focus lies in understanding our customers and designing solutions specifically to meet their needs, using our expertise in taste, chefmanship, food technology and service, as well as the right choice of Unilever Foodsolutions products and brands.” So who says that packaged goods cannot be healthy as well as tasty? “As a leader in the global food market, we are committed to marketing great tasting foods that will make the healthy choice an easy choice”, El Salawy explains. Food fashions are like ladies’ hemlines, they change all the time. “Around the world there are huge cultural differences in people's attitudes towards food. When it comes to developing our brands, we learn from all these shades and nuances, aiming to provide options that reflect people's diverse tastes and lifestyles.” With such a large percentage of the population now eating meals away from home on a regular basis, Unilever Foodsolutions is helping out by supplying products that combine taste, consistent quality and healthier menu-options in a cost-effective way. High on the list of healthier products are Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise, Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Flora range, for instance. “Our consumer research tells us one key thing: people have higher expectations than ever from the foods they buy. Solutions vary as widely as our customers - products that add the right seasoning, flavour or texture, preprepared ingredients that save time in a busy kitchen and new ways of serving food on a large scale at consistent quality are just some examples.” He goes on to explain, “We believe in supporting our customers by offering them food solutions tailored to their needs. Hotels form a large part of our business, and we try to be the chef’s best friend. Our ‘chefmanship’ aims to save time – and ultimately money too – in terms of manpower, electricity, waste and lost opportunities. Canteens and quick-service restaurants, which are under extreme pressure to offer menus with healthier alternatives, are also prime targets for the Foodsolutions service.” UFS is constantly improving its supply chain processes, with the objective of becoming the most reliable supply chain in the industry. Its brand teams and operating divisions are supported by the Unilever Health Institute and its global nutrition and health network. Ultimately, UFS believes in helping consumers find healthier ways to eat away from home by providing great tasting food that is the freshest it can be. And freshness adds pizzazz to any menu. Tel.: +9714 881 5552 Email:
[email protected]
292
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
293
Food & Beverage
Baqer Mohebi 1- C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:16 PM
Page 1
Bon Appetit In a region where approximately 90 per cent of the population are expatriates, taste-bud diversity is a must, and a little bit of flavour from home is much appreciated. One company has successfully made satisfying this market demand its niche for over 75 years.
Dr. Zainal Mohebi, Chairman
From humble beginnings as one of the 15 original outlets of the Dubai Souk, opened eons ago in 1931, Baqer Mohebi Establishment (BME) has grown to become one of the region's most respected marketers of premium brands and now boasts a portfolio with stalwart house-hold brand names such as Twining's, Evian and Volvic, Kimberley Clark and Habanos Cuban Cigars. The companies' strength is undoubtedly a reflection of its founding principles - values based on integrity, courage and commitment, directed by a vision dedicated to forecasting future needs and building successful relationships. Having carried these values and their vision through three generations, BME has introduced products and brands to the region, resulting in the advent of various niche markets. Some of the partnerships BME has formed go back as far as five decades and speak volumes of the foresight, perseverance and management planning that has gone into building the company in all its facets. Forming part of the Zainal Mohebi Group, BME is responsible for the marketing and distribution of premier Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs), filling this role by continually developing and expanding its core business. This expansion has resulted in the company opening outlets in Oman and Iran - with Qatar next on the list - and sees it now serve in excess of 4000 clients with 3000 SKUs from over 30 multinational premium brands. "We have always focused on predicting market trends, needs and requirements and making sure our clients have what they want - when they want it," explains SH Siadat, BME general manager. "The incredible growth and development of the region makes it the perfect time for us to expand our operations and services to other markets". Such growth can only come about through the successful development of lasting relationships and is why 60 per cent of the company's workforce is dedicated to sales and marketing. "We don't look at it as marketing products, more like developing relationships," adds Siadat. "This is through taking the time and devoting the resources to
294
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
295
really understand our clients and customers, as well as our partners. Each has its own needs and requirements and we make every effort to meet these, day in-day out." In maintaining this philosophy, BME has earned numerous accolades and reached landmarks that include recently celebrating 40 years of partnership with Habanos of Cuba and leading GCC sales for Puratos, Pal International and Kimberly Clark. As well as FMCGs, in which BME distribution reaches all hypermarkets, supermarkets, wholesalers and a large number of groceries, the company has other areas of operations too. BME is a major supplier of institutional products to catered hotels, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, catering houses, ship chandlers, seaports and airports throughout the region. The company is also expanding the high quality, exclusive products of its tobacco portfolio. The exclusive 'La Casa Del Habano' retail franchise has become a major venture in its own right, with BME operating seven boutiques in three countries, making the company the largest operator of the franchise worldwide. Aimed at the discerning consumer, 'La Casa Del Habano' also complements BME's other retail operations such as 'Le Tabac' (neighbourhood tobacconists) and 'Baqer Mohebi Supermarket.' Furthermore, and in line with the region's growth and development, BME is continually strengthening and improving its core capabilities. This includes developing new logistics and distribution networks, strengthening operations, increasing international marketing and partner solution, implementing high level management training and recruitment and continued investment in technology and communications coupled with intelligent financial management. From humble beginnings, BME has flourished into one the leading distribution/retail outlets in the region, highlighting just how much an Arab family company can achieve with the right vision and the proper skills. Tel.: +9714 396 9777 www.mohebi.com
Food & Beverage
Baqer Mohebi 1- C.qxp
12/27/2006
1:16 PM
Page 1
Bon Appetit In a region where approximately 90 per cent of the population are expatriates, taste-bud diversity is a must, and a little bit of flavour from home is much appreciated. One company has successfully made satisfying this market demand its niche for over 75 years.
Dr. Zainal Mohebi, Chairman
From humble beginnings as one of the 15 original outlets of the Dubai Souk, opened eons ago in 1931, Baqer Mohebi Establishment (BME) has grown to become one of the region's most respected marketers of premium brands and now boasts a portfolio with stalwart house-hold brand names such as Twining's, Evian and Volvic, Kimberley Clark and Habanos Cuban Cigars. The companies' strength is undoubtedly a reflection of its founding principles - values based on integrity, courage and commitment, directed by a vision dedicated to forecasting future needs and building successful relationships. Having carried these values and their vision through three generations, BME has introduced products and brands to the region, resulting in the advent of various niche markets. Some of the partnerships BME has formed go back as far as five decades and speak volumes of the foresight, perseverance and management planning that has gone into building the company in all its facets. Forming part of the Zainal Mohebi Group, BME is responsible for the marketing and distribution of premier Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs), filling this role by continually developing and expanding its core business. This expansion has resulted in the company opening outlets in Oman and Iran - with Qatar next on the list - and sees it now serve in excess of 4000 clients with 3000 SKUs from over 30 multinational premium brands. "We have always focused on predicting market trends, needs and requirements and making sure our clients have what they want - when they want it," explains SH Siadat, BME general manager. "The incredible growth and development of the region makes it the perfect time for us to expand our operations and services to other markets". Such growth can only come about through the successful development of lasting relationships and is why 60 per cent of the company's workforce is dedicated to sales and marketing. "We don't look at it as marketing products, more like developing relationships," adds Siadat. "This is through taking the time and devoting the resources to
294
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
295
really understand our clients and customers, as well as our partners. Each has its own needs and requirements and we make every effort to meet these, day in-day out." In maintaining this philosophy, BME has earned numerous accolades and reached landmarks that include recently celebrating 40 years of partnership with Habanos of Cuba and leading GCC sales for Puratos, Pal International and Kimberly Clark. As well as FMCGs, in which BME distribution reaches all hypermarkets, supermarkets, wholesalers and a large number of groceries, the company has other areas of operations too. BME is a major supplier of institutional products to catered hotels, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, catering houses, ship chandlers, seaports and airports throughout the region. The company is also expanding the high quality, exclusive products of its tobacco portfolio. The exclusive 'La Casa Del Habano' retail franchise has become a major venture in its own right, with BME operating seven boutiques in three countries, making the company the largest operator of the franchise worldwide. Aimed at the discerning consumer, 'La Casa Del Habano' also complements BME's other retail operations such as 'Le Tabac' (neighbourhood tobacconists) and 'Baqer Mohebi Supermarket.' Furthermore, and in line with the region's growth and development, BME is continually strengthening and improving its core capabilities. This includes developing new logistics and distribution networks, strengthening operations, increasing international marketing and partner solution, implementing high level management training and recruitment and continued investment in technology and communications coupled with intelligent financial management. From humble beginnings, BME has flourished into one the leading distribution/retail outlets in the region, highlighting just how much an Arab family company can achieve with the right vision and the proper skills. Tel.: +9714 396 9777 www.mohebi.com
Food & Beverage
Good Food Good life Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ vision is to be the respected and preferred, best in class ‘FoodService’ Company to the relevant Out of Home (OOH) channels in the Middle East, leading through people, branded solutions and innovations. Their core values focus on high quality brands, products, systems and technology, service as well as solutions - in addition to expertise in customer and channel requirements.
Rabie H. Issa, ‘FoodServices’ Business Manager UAE & Oman
Chef Dian
Nestlé Middle East FZE Nestlé is the number one Food and Beverage Company both in the world and in the Middle East offering local consumers more than 50 popular brands in categories such as Infant Nutrition, Healthcare Nutrition, Milks, Confectionery, Coffee & Beverages, Culinary, Water, Cereals and Petcare. Nestlé has been present in the Middle East for more than 70 years. Nestlé Middle East FZE was formed in 1997, consolidating the company's presence in the GCC, the Levant countries, Iran and Iraq. Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ The Nestle ‘FoodServices’ Division in Nestlé Middle East is the ‘business to business’ specialist, offering professional food and beverage solutions to operators in the fast growing out-of-home industry. The portfolio contains unique and strong consumer brands (e.g. Maggi, Nestlé, KitKat, Nido, Nestea, Nesquik, CoffeeMate) as well as specific added value ‘foodservice’ solutions (e.g. Nescafé office coffee solutions, Davigel frozen meal components, Chef culinary solutions) suited to the various OOH channels, such as contract caterers, hotels, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafes and bakeries, business (offices) as well as industry, education, transportation (airlines), health care, leisure and sports, etc. Tel.:+9714 408 8102 Email:
[email protected]
296
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
297
Food & Beverage
Good Food Good life Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ vision is to be the respected and preferred, best in class ‘FoodService’ Company to the relevant Out of Home (OOH) channels in the Middle East, leading through people, branded solutions and innovations. Their core values focus on high quality brands, products, systems and technology, service as well as solutions - in addition to expertise in customer and channel requirements.
Rabie H. Issa, ‘FoodServices’ Business Manager UAE & Oman
Chef Dian
Nestlé Middle East FZE Nestlé is the number one Food and Beverage Company both in the world and in the Middle East offering local consumers more than 50 popular brands in categories such as Infant Nutrition, Healthcare Nutrition, Milks, Confectionery, Coffee & Beverages, Culinary, Water, Cereals and Petcare. Nestlé has been present in the Middle East for more than 70 years. Nestlé Middle East FZE was formed in 1997, consolidating the company's presence in the GCC, the Levant countries, Iran and Iraq. Nestlé ‘FoodServices’ The Nestle ‘FoodServices’ Division in Nestlé Middle East is the ‘business to business’ specialist, offering professional food and beverage solutions to operators in the fast growing out-of-home industry. The portfolio contains unique and strong consumer brands (e.g. Maggi, Nestlé, KitKat, Nido, Nestea, Nesquik, CoffeeMate) as well as specific added value ‘foodservice’ solutions (e.g. Nescafé office coffee solutions, Davigel frozen meal components, Chef culinary solutions) suited to the various OOH channels, such as contract caterers, hotels, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafes and bakeries, business (offices) as well as industry, education, transportation (airlines), health care, leisure and sports, etc. Tel.:+9714 408 8102 Email:
[email protected]
296
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
297
Food & Beverage
Choco’a Full of Taste
One for the senses
Chocolate qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion, with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artistic creations infused with delectable flavour
As any good hotelier knows, the difference between good service and great service lies in taking care of the finer details.
Naughty but nice, chocolate can trace its origins back two thousand years to the tropical rainforests of the Americas. A sought-after delicacy, chocolate’s popularity flourished in Europe centuries later, and remains unabated today. Full of healthy antioxidants and oodles of taste, chocolate tempts palates worldwide. Fine chocolate represents both the ideal gift and an irresistible self-indulgence. Its cultural importance in Dubai and the Middle East underscores the Middle Eastern concepts of generosity and hospitality, often centred on edible gift giving. It qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion, with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artistic creations infused with delectable flavour, Dubai’s chocolate business is booming and leaving consumers begging for more. ChoCo’a is a Dubai-based chocolatier and patisserie that is capitalising on this popularity. Defined as a “treat for your senses”, it’s Dubai’s answer to understanding gourmet chocolate and the finesse required in creating the perfect blend. ChoCo’a founder Assem Hamzeh prides himself on
specialising in chocolate and everything related to it, saying “These days, you may find chocolates in clothes stores or in gift shops. For them, chocolate is like an accessory to their main product line; for us, it is our product line.” With over 12 years experience, Lebanon-born Hamzeh believes his success is fuelled by a cosy family atmosphere combined with a highly qualified team behind the scenes, including two awardwinning French Chefs. Hamzeh believes in the importance of branding, stating “We know that in order to succeed, along with the quality and service, image plays a major role. That is why we are focusing on branding the name ChoCo’a with our blue cocoa leaf logo.” With expansion and franchise plans underway, ChoCo’a has recruited a new sales team to “Enlighten people about chocolate, the art of chocolate, how to appreciate chocolate and why chocolate is a necessity.”
This is where M & M General Trading can help. As a former Food and Beverage Director with several five star hotels across the UAE, M & M Trading’s General Manager, Marco Carstanjen, has the know-how to satisfy every hospitality industry whim when it comes to making these little differences. With his experience added to his proverbial Teutonic efficiency, Carstanjen quickly ascertained where and how, in subtle ways, five star hotels could improve on services and decided to do something about it. This meant bringing in products to make the guest feel pampered, and what better place to start than with coffee? With the launch of M & M General Trading in 2006, the Marco Carstanjen, General Manager company began providing the upmarket hospitality industry with a private label, top-end Italian coffee, as well as supplying the custom made machinery designed for making the 'perfect' cup. Not content to stop there, M & M followed their gourmet coffee venture by introducing high quality wine cabinets from France, luxurious linen, crockery and glassware from Germany, glamorous beauty products from the UK and designer water coolers from Canada. "Our objective is to source the best for the best", he says, "Nothing else will do". As well as the magic aroma of the perfect cup and the lasting impression it makes on the palate, M & M understand the importance of providing the guest with comfort and serenity through the senses such as sight and touch. "If the senses are pleased, then so too is the guest", Carstanjen adds. Given the rabid competition at the top end of the Dubai hospitality industry, it is the smallest of subtleties that can make a huge subliminal difference to the consumer and mean guest loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. This effectively translates in greater opportunities and market-share for service providers. With M&M General Trading, hospitality sourcing is elevated to an art tempered by practicality and savoir faire.
Tel.: +9714 340 9013 www.chocoachocolate.com
Tel.:+9716 5574993 www.mnmtrade.com
298
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
299
Food & Beverage
Choco’a Full of Taste
One for the senses
Chocolate qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion, with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artistic creations infused with delectable flavour
As any good hotelier knows, the difference between good service and great service lies in taking care of the finer details.
Naughty but nice, chocolate can trace its origins back two thousand years to the tropical rainforests of the Americas. A sought-after delicacy, chocolate’s popularity flourished in Europe centuries later, and remains unabated today. Full of healthy antioxidants and oodles of taste, chocolate tempts palates worldwide. Fine chocolate represents both the ideal gift and an irresistible self-indulgence. Its cultural importance in Dubai and the Middle East underscores the Middle Eastern concepts of generosity and hospitality, often centred on edible gift giving. It qualifies as the perfect gift for every occasion, with increasing numbers of chocolatiers offering artistic creations infused with delectable flavour, Dubai’s chocolate business is booming and leaving consumers begging for more. ChoCo’a is a Dubai-based chocolatier and patisserie that is capitalising on this popularity. Defined as a “treat for your senses”, it’s Dubai’s answer to understanding gourmet chocolate and the finesse required in creating the perfect blend. ChoCo’a founder Assem Hamzeh prides himself on
specialising in chocolate and everything related to it, saying “These days, you may find chocolates in clothes stores or in gift shops. For them, chocolate is like an accessory to their main product line; for us, it is our product line.” With over 12 years experience, Lebanon-born Hamzeh believes his success is fuelled by a cosy family atmosphere combined with a highly qualified team behind the scenes, including two awardwinning French Chefs. Hamzeh believes in the importance of branding, stating “We know that in order to succeed, along with the quality and service, image plays a major role. That is why we are focusing on branding the name ChoCo’a with our blue cocoa leaf logo.” With expansion and franchise plans underway, ChoCo’a has recruited a new sales team to “Enlighten people about chocolate, the art of chocolate, how to appreciate chocolate and why chocolate is a necessity.”
This is where M & M General Trading can help. As a former Food and Beverage Director with several five star hotels across the UAE, M & M Trading’s General Manager, Marco Carstanjen, has the know-how to satisfy every hospitality industry whim when it comes to making these little differences. With his experience added to his proverbial Teutonic efficiency, Carstanjen quickly ascertained where and how, in subtle ways, five star hotels could improve on services and decided to do something about it. This meant bringing in products to make the guest feel pampered, and what better place to start than with coffee? With the launch of M & M General Trading in 2006, the Marco Carstanjen, General Manager company began providing the upmarket hospitality industry with a private label, top-end Italian coffee, as well as supplying the custom made machinery designed for making the 'perfect' cup. Not content to stop there, M & M followed their gourmet coffee venture by introducing high quality wine cabinets from France, luxurious linen, crockery and glassware from Germany, glamorous beauty products from the UK and designer water coolers from Canada. "Our objective is to source the best for the best", he says, "Nothing else will do". As well as the magic aroma of the perfect cup and the lasting impression it makes on the palate, M & M understand the importance of providing the guest with comfort and serenity through the senses such as sight and touch. "If the senses are pleased, then so too is the guest", Carstanjen adds. Given the rabid competition at the top end of the Dubai hospitality industry, it is the smallest of subtleties that can make a huge subliminal difference to the consumer and mean guest loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. This effectively translates in greater opportunities and market-share for service providers. With M&M General Trading, hospitality sourcing is elevated to an art tempered by practicality and savoir faire.
Tel.: +9714 340 9013 www.chocoachocolate.com
Tel.:+9716 5574993 www.mnmtrade.com
298
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
299
"Ideas and facts communicated well become information and knowledge. And knowledge, as we all know, is power". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 18 The Arts & Media
Courtesy of Aziz Shah
"Ideas and facts communicated well become information and knowledge. And knowledge, as we all know, is power". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 18 The Arts & Media
Courtesy of Aziz Shah
The Arts & Media
flip media - with modi.qxp
12/28/2006
11:16 AM
Page 1
Flipping Bigger and Better! In just four short years, the team at Flip Media has built an outstanding reputation as the largest, independent, interactive media consultancy in the Middle East. Regarded as the region's online and interactive media experts, Flip Media provides award winning creative work to regional and international accounts and develops unique interactive media products and technologies.
www ww w.flipco lipcorrp.com
2006 has proved to be an outstanding year for Flip Media and records show the agency to be on track for further success and growth. Flip Media's creative talents have seen the agency garnered with an impressive tally of 38 international and regional awards this year alone. So far Flip Media has received 2 Summit International Awards, 3 Bahrain Web Awards and 14 awards at the recent Pan Arab Web Awards. At the UAE Web Awards held in March, Flip Media scooped the board taking a total of 18 out of 36 awards and receiving the ceremony's highest honour, the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for 'Website of the Year' for the Mercedes-Benz B Class website: www.mb-me.com/bclass New account wins have been significant with over 20 new accounts added to the agency's roster of clients. International names such as Air Miles, Procter & Gamble, Panasonic Middle East and Nestlé, along with regional power brands like Qatar Airways, Wataniya Telecom and Dubai Festival City have engaged Flip Media to develop and expand their online presence and integrated marketing communications activities. Flip Media's client portfolio is certainly indicative of their market share and the agency is immensely proud of its long-standing relationships with Emaar, Mercedes-Benz, Damas, Motorola, Bahrain Formula 1, MMI and Marriott Hotels. According to Martin Diessner, CEO, Flip Media, "2006 has proved to be an incredible year and it's great to see all of our hard work coming to fruition. We've significantly enhanced our reputation by consistently winning new high profile regional and international business and in attracting the best people in the industry to join us. We have ambitious plans to launch new products and services which will assist our
Dinesh Lalvani - Founder and Group Creative Director, Martin Diessner - CEO
304
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
305
clients in maximizing online communication to its full potential." In order to support the agency's growth and strategy of continual innovation and excellence, Flip Media has established Flip Labs as an internal research and development division to facilitate technological developments and establish best practices. Existing products have been updated to offer users more comprehensive features. Brand Central, the agency's 3rd party verified and online media tracking service for advertising and media agencies has recently incorporated DoubleClickTM - an optional ad delivery and 3rd-party tracking mechanism regarded as the premiere advertising serving solution. Content management has been made even easier with the second version of Chameleon, Flip Media's dedicated website content management software. Dinesh Lalvani, Founder and Group Creative Director, Flip Media explains: "Chameleon is a modular application which can be easily and quickly adapted to accommodate specific client needs. We have made the user interface more friendly and functional, and have developed a powerful eCommerce application which expands capabilities to include secure online ordering and purchasing. We are especially proud of the website we created for Nayomi www.nayomi.com.sa - which reflects how Chameleon can be seamlessly integrated with back-end administration systems to facilitate online shopping in both English and Arabic." Flip Media take their role as ambassadors for technological development seriously: "With the advent of Web 2.0, the Internet will become even more user friendly and responsive. There will be improved opportunities for social networking and new technologies such as
Podcasts and mass publishing of blogs are just the start of this. The Internet has always adhered to open platforms and common standards for technology and Web 2.0 will see this ethos of collaboration further enhanced", says Dinesh. The agency has made a number of high profile senior appointments to expand the team's resources. With the addition of multiple creative directors, Flip Media has increased studio capabilities and client servicing has been proactively expanded to support client requirements. Sister company Neo Digital which specializes in online media buying and planning, has expanded their team and now handles media planning and purchasing for over 50 brands. The team has grown to 65 employees based in the UAE, Bahrain, India and Germany, headquartered from Dubai Media City. "Teamwork and understanding are essential when you are working in a fast paced and dynamic environment. We organize a lot of activities outside of the office, so that we have the opportunity to socialize and relax with each other as friends, not just as colleagues", adds Martin. "Corporate social responsibility also plays an important part of our working life and we have developed a number of websites and online campaigns free of charge for charities and good causes." With the opening of an office in Bahrain and increased GCC-wide business, regional expansion is certainly in the pipeline. Over the next year, Flip Media plans to significantly expand their services to meet the needs of the fast growing Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi markets. Tel.: +9714 391 1612 Website: www.flipcorp.com
The Arts & Media
flip media - with modi.qxp
12/28/2006
11:16 AM
Page 1
Flipping Bigger and Better! In just four short years, the team at Flip Media has built an outstanding reputation as the largest, independent, interactive media consultancy in the Middle East. Regarded as the region's online and interactive media experts, Flip Media provides award winning creative work to regional and international accounts and develops unique interactive media products and technologies.
www ww w.flipco lipcorrp.com
2006 has proved to be an outstanding year for Flip Media and records show the agency to be on track for further success and growth. Flip Media's creative talents have seen the agency garnered with an impressive tally of 38 international and regional awards this year alone. So far Flip Media has received 2 Summit International Awards, 3 Bahrain Web Awards and 14 awards at the recent Pan Arab Web Awards. At the UAE Web Awards held in March, Flip Media scooped the board taking a total of 18 out of 36 awards and receiving the ceremony's highest honour, the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for 'Website of the Year' for the Mercedes-Benz B Class website: www.mb-me.com/bclass New account wins have been significant with over 20 new accounts added to the agency's roster of clients. International names such as Air Miles, Procter & Gamble, Panasonic Middle East and Nestlé, along with regional power brands like Qatar Airways, Wataniya Telecom and Dubai Festival City have engaged Flip Media to develop and expand their online presence and integrated marketing communications activities. Flip Media's client portfolio is certainly indicative of their market share and the agency is immensely proud of its long-standing relationships with Emaar, Mercedes-Benz, Damas, Motorola, Bahrain Formula 1, MMI and Marriott Hotels. According to Martin Diessner, CEO, Flip Media, "2006 has proved to be an incredible year and it's great to see all of our hard work coming to fruition. We've significantly enhanced our reputation by consistently winning new high profile regional and international business and in attracting the best people in the industry to join us. We have ambitious plans to launch new products and services which will assist our
Dinesh Lalvani - Founder and Group Creative Director, Martin Diessner - CEO
304
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
305
clients in maximizing online communication to its full potential." In order to support the agency's growth and strategy of continual innovation and excellence, Flip Media has established Flip Labs as an internal research and development division to facilitate technological developments and establish best practices. Existing products have been updated to offer users more comprehensive features. Brand Central, the agency's 3rd party verified and online media tracking service for advertising and media agencies has recently incorporated DoubleClickTM - an optional ad delivery and 3rd-party tracking mechanism regarded as the premiere advertising serving solution. Content management has been made even easier with the second version of Chameleon, Flip Media's dedicated website content management software. Dinesh Lalvani, Founder and Group Creative Director, Flip Media explains: "Chameleon is a modular application which can be easily and quickly adapted to accommodate specific client needs. We have made the user interface more friendly and functional, and have developed a powerful eCommerce application which expands capabilities to include secure online ordering and purchasing. We are especially proud of the website we created for Nayomi www.nayomi.com.sa - which reflects how Chameleon can be seamlessly integrated with back-end administration systems to facilitate online shopping in both English and Arabic." Flip Media take their role as ambassadors for technological development seriously: "With the advent of Web 2.0, the Internet will become even more user friendly and responsive. There will be improved opportunities for social networking and new technologies such as
Podcasts and mass publishing of blogs are just the start of this. The Internet has always adhered to open platforms and common standards for technology and Web 2.0 will see this ethos of collaboration further enhanced", says Dinesh. The agency has made a number of high profile senior appointments to expand the team's resources. With the addition of multiple creative directors, Flip Media has increased studio capabilities and client servicing has been proactively expanded to support client requirements. Sister company Neo Digital which specializes in online media buying and planning, has expanded their team and now handles media planning and purchasing for over 50 brands. The team has grown to 65 employees based in the UAE, Bahrain, India and Germany, headquartered from Dubai Media City. "Teamwork and understanding are essential when you are working in a fast paced and dynamic environment. We organize a lot of activities outside of the office, so that we have the opportunity to socialize and relax with each other as friends, not just as colleagues", adds Martin. "Corporate social responsibility also plays an important part of our working life and we have developed a number of websites and online campaigns free of charge for charities and good causes." With the opening of an office in Bahrain and increased GCC-wide business, regional expansion is certainly in the pipeline. Over the next year, Flip Media plans to significantly expand their services to meet the needs of the fast growing Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi markets. Tel.: +9714 391 1612 Website: www.flipcorp.com
12/28/2006
The Arts & Media
Jiwin.qxp
4:25 PM
Page 1
Spin Supreme With the power of PR reaching levels of acceptability that mere advertising cannot dream to aspire to, welcome to JiWin, a subsidiary of the Dubai Press Club. In line with the emirate's corporate ethos of jumping into the race with a view to winning, this new PR firm provides end-to-end public relations consultancy with a difference. Not only does a mission to uplift the industry's professional standards guide them; they are also fuelled by a relentless desire to be the first, the biggest and of course, the best.
Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin represents the new breed of enlightened Arab woman that is powering the emirate’s vision of a successful Knowledge Economy.
As the exclusive affiliate of global public relations heavyweight, Burson-Mastellar for the Middle East region, JiWin's strengths include its high profile and strong relationships with media in broadsheet, consumer and trade publications, as well as television, radio and on-line news portals too. For a company that only set up shop in 2005, it already has considerable experience handling PR for companies in a dizzying variety of sectors ranging from finance, media, education, healthcare and property, to biotechnology, microelectronics, energy, entertainment, leisure, and aerospace to boot. Thanks to its top notch, diversified team, that exudes the type of multi-tasking prowess needed for the job, JiWin also undertakes the management of strategic communications for leading events such as the Dubai International Film Festival and the Arab Strategy Forum. "We work by understanding the brand and then creatively developing PR ideas and executing them through a variety of vehicles", explains Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin. "We seek a long-term partnership with companies based on reliable and quality services", he adds. Receptive market conditions and high-powered contacts notwithstanding, the luminary behind the success of this 50-strong PR firm is undoubtedly Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin. She explains: "The Dubai Press Club has, over the years, successfully provided media relations support to various government and corporate clients in the Arab market," she says. "These clients are increasingly looking for more sophisticated and strategic corporate communications counsel. JiWin is ideally placed to
306
Best of Dubai
JiWin’s role is pivotal in developing a powerful integrated communication strategy that underscores Dubai’s growing kudos regionally and worldwide
Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin, is the foundation upon which this consultancy is growing to fit the needs of its client base, which is also expanding in line with Dubai’s outstanding development in all sectors
Best of Dubai
307
understand the dynamics of both regional and international media and to set new standards for the PR industry in the region. It was a natural progression, therefore, to establish a fully fledged PR agency that could respond directly to this new demand." Reading like a who's who list of the highest order, among the blue-chip retainer ships secured by JiWin are Dubai Holding, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, du, Colliers International, the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai TV. Not content to rest on its laurels however, JiWin is rapidly expanding this high-profile portfolio of clients to develop a regional and global client base. With professionals from various industry backgrounds, representing over 10 nationalities, the consultancy's core strength lies in its understanding of the regional business climate the commercial environment but also the regulatory and legislative one. "We provide not only the best in PR consultancy but also the region's most effective public affairs advice and counsel. It is an area where we expect to see strong growth, as global corporates increasingly acknowledge the need to understand local regulatory and legislative
structures. Given its long presence in the market through the Dubai Press Club, JiWin is uniquely positioned to provide strategic advice on market entry and access, and issues management," Mamoon Sbeih, says. Headquartered at Dubai Media City, JiWin provides clients with the full gamut of ommunications support including communications strategy development, media relations, public affairs, crisis management, media training and event management. With an in-house research capacity handling local market intelligence on the media environment and bespoke reports for clients seeking to better understand their stakeholder base and raise their brand awareness, they have the ability to raise the bar on expectations and deliverables too. As if all of the above were not sufficient, thanks to its global network of affiliates, JiWin secures impressive outreach that stretches across the Arab world and Indian Subcontinent all the way to North Africa, Western Europe and the US. Can you beat that? Tel.: +9714 361 3333 www.jiwin.ae
12/28/2006
The Arts & Media
Jiwin.qxp
4:25 PM
Page 1
Spin Supreme With the power of PR reaching levels of acceptability that mere advertising cannot dream to aspire to, welcome to JiWin, a subsidiary of the Dubai Press Club. In line with the emirate's corporate ethos of jumping into the race with a view to winning, this new PR firm provides end-to-end public relations consultancy with a difference. Not only does a mission to uplift the industry's professional standards guide them; they are also fuelled by a relentless desire to be the first, the biggest and of course, the best.
Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin represents the new breed of enlightened Arab woman that is powering the emirate’s vision of a successful Knowledge Economy.
As the exclusive affiliate of global public relations heavyweight, Burson-Mastellar for the Middle East region, JiWin's strengths include its high profile and strong relationships with media in broadsheet, consumer and trade publications, as well as television, radio and on-line news portals too. For a company that only set up shop in 2005, it already has considerable experience handling PR for companies in a dizzying variety of sectors ranging from finance, media, education, healthcare and property, to biotechnology, microelectronics, energy, entertainment, leisure, and aerospace to boot. Thanks to its top notch, diversified team, that exudes the type of multi-tasking prowess needed for the job, JiWin also undertakes the management of strategic communications for leading events such as the Dubai International Film Festival and the Arab Strategy Forum. "We work by understanding the brand and then creatively developing PR ideas and executing them through a variety of vehicles", explains Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin. "We seek a long-term partnership with companies based on reliable and quality services", he adds. Receptive market conditions and high-powered contacts notwithstanding, the luminary behind the success of this 50-strong PR firm is undoubtedly Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of Dubai Press Club and CEO of JiWin. She explains: "The Dubai Press Club has, over the years, successfully provided media relations support to various government and corporate clients in the Arab market," she says. "These clients are increasingly looking for more sophisticated and strategic corporate communications counsel. JiWin is ideally placed to
306
Best of Dubai
JiWin’s role is pivotal in developing a powerful integrated communication strategy that underscores Dubai’s growing kudos regionally and worldwide
Mamoon Sbeih, Managing Director, JiWin, is the foundation upon which this consultancy is growing to fit the needs of its client base, which is also expanding in line with Dubai’s outstanding development in all sectors
Best of Dubai
307
understand the dynamics of both regional and international media and to set new standards for the PR industry in the region. It was a natural progression, therefore, to establish a fully fledged PR agency that could respond directly to this new demand." Reading like a who's who list of the highest order, among the blue-chip retainer ships secured by JiWin are Dubai Holding, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, du, Colliers International, the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai TV. Not content to rest on its laurels however, JiWin is rapidly expanding this high-profile portfolio of clients to develop a regional and global client base. With professionals from various industry backgrounds, representing over 10 nationalities, the consultancy's core strength lies in its understanding of the regional business climate the commercial environment but also the regulatory and legislative one. "We provide not only the best in PR consultancy but also the region's most effective public affairs advice and counsel. It is an area where we expect to see strong growth, as global corporates increasingly acknowledge the need to understand local regulatory and legislative
structures. Given its long presence in the market through the Dubai Press Club, JiWin is uniquely positioned to provide strategic advice on market entry and access, and issues management," Mamoon Sbeih, says. Headquartered at Dubai Media City, JiWin provides clients with the full gamut of ommunications support including communications strategy development, media relations, public affairs, crisis management, media training and event management. With an in-house research capacity handling local market intelligence on the media environment and bespoke reports for clients seeking to better understand their stakeholder base and raise their brand awareness, they have the ability to raise the bar on expectations and deliverables too. As if all of the above were not sufficient, thanks to its global network of affiliates, JiWin secures impressive outreach that stretches across the Arab world and Indian Subcontinent all the way to North Africa, Western Europe and the US. Can you beat that? Tel.: +9714 361 3333 www.jiwin.ae
The Arts & Media
Global Appeal While traditional Emirati pursuits have provided the seed of the sporting scene in Dubai, other sports are now making their way into the hearts of fans and are becoming big business along the way.
Duty Free Tennis tournament
The International Cricket Council has moved their headquarters to Dubai, there is the newly minted Manchester United Soccer School in the upcoming multi-million dollar 'Dubai Sports City' development and with major events like the Desert Classic and the Duty Free Tennis tournament, the region is well armed to compete with the rest of the world in the arena of major, top-dollar sporting events. Delwood Sports Marketing, a division of Delwood Consultancy Services, is on the cusp of this trend and is consistently bringing the highest-profile sporting events to the UAE. Conceived by the charismatic Farbod Dowlatshahi, the company president and an avid sports and culture enthusiast who saw a city aching for sports entertainment, Delwood hasn't
forgotten the local scene either, retaining a strong commitment to community sports initiatives and charity events as well. As far as sports marketing is concerned, Delwood offers a full range of expertise, from public relations, sponsorship, budgeting and marketing, to venue management for sports, leisure and artistic productions in the Middle East. The bulk of Delwood's success, however, has been in putting together major sporting events. Unlike other success stories, Delwood Sports Marketing did not start 'small'. The companies’ flagship event to date has undoubtedly been The Legends ‘Rock’ Dubai, the first senior indoor tennis exhibition in the GCC. Names such as Björn Borg, Ilie Nastase, Michael Stich, Henri
308
Best of Dubai
Farbod Dowlatshahi, President
Best of Dubai
309
Leconte, Vijay Amritraj, Guy Forget and Mansour Bahrami battled it out in front of sell-out crowds of over 5000 in Dubai's idyllic Madinat Jumeirah. Despite initial scepticism, Delwood forged ahead and created one of the sporting highlights of 2005 for the Middle East. "Tennis is the passion of all of us at Delwood and our personal long term friendship with many of the players has enabled us to pull off such a successful first event", enthused Dowlatshahi. "We thought that because Dubai has such great ATP and WTA tour events, The Legends would be an added value to tennis in the UAE", he added. "Firstly, everyone can relate to senior’s tennis - if you have followed the careers of the stars, it's nostalgic to see them again. They are all still artists in some way." "Secondly tennis is entertainment and that's what we are interested in. Tennis has to be fun." In addition, The Legends' ancillary events were equally successful: a kids' day hosted by the Jumeirah Beach Hotel gathered almost 300 children and a glamorous gala dinner with some 650 guests that raised more than Dh 400,000 for the two supported charities, the Dubai Centre for Special Needs and the Little Dreams Foundation. The event was capped off with 300 VVIP's being invited to the Phil Collins concert. Another coup on Delwood's list of acolades was the return of the Harlem Globetrotters to the Middle East for their first tour in 19 years. The most successful and famous sports team in history, the Globetrotters spent four sold-out days in Dubai in April 2006 as part of their 80th anniversary world tour, displaying their athletic prowess to more than 11,000 enthusiastic fans.
The Arts & Media
Global Appeal While traditional Emirati pursuits have provided the seed of the sporting scene in Dubai, other sports are now making their way into the hearts of fans and are becoming big business along the way.
Duty Free Tennis tournament
The International Cricket Council has moved their headquarters to Dubai, there is the newly minted Manchester United Soccer School in the upcoming multi-million dollar 'Dubai Sports City' development and with major events like the Desert Classic and the Duty Free Tennis tournament, the region is well armed to compete with the rest of the world in the arena of major, top-dollar sporting events. Delwood Sports Marketing, a division of Delwood Consultancy Services, is on the cusp of this trend and is consistently bringing the highest-profile sporting events to the UAE. Conceived by the charismatic Farbod Dowlatshahi, the company president and an avid sports and culture enthusiast who saw a city aching for sports entertainment, Delwood hasn't
forgotten the local scene either, retaining a strong commitment to community sports initiatives and charity events as well. As far as sports marketing is concerned, Delwood offers a full range of expertise, from public relations, sponsorship, budgeting and marketing, to venue management for sports, leisure and artistic productions in the Middle East. The bulk of Delwood's success, however, has been in putting together major sporting events. Unlike other success stories, Delwood Sports Marketing did not start 'small'. The companies’ flagship event to date has undoubtedly been The Legends ‘Rock’ Dubai, the first senior indoor tennis exhibition in the GCC. Names such as Björn Borg, Ilie Nastase, Michael Stich, Henri
308
Best of Dubai
Farbod Dowlatshahi, President
Best of Dubai
309
Leconte, Vijay Amritraj, Guy Forget and Mansour Bahrami battled it out in front of sell-out crowds of over 5000 in Dubai's idyllic Madinat Jumeirah. Despite initial scepticism, Delwood forged ahead and created one of the sporting highlights of 2005 for the Middle East. "Tennis is the passion of all of us at Delwood and our personal long term friendship with many of the players has enabled us to pull off such a successful first event", enthused Dowlatshahi. "We thought that because Dubai has such great ATP and WTA tour events, The Legends would be an added value to tennis in the UAE", he added. "Firstly, everyone can relate to senior’s tennis - if you have followed the careers of the stars, it's nostalgic to see them again. They are all still artists in some way." "Secondly tennis is entertainment and that's what we are interested in. Tennis has to be fun." In addition, The Legends' ancillary events were equally successful: a kids' day hosted by the Jumeirah Beach Hotel gathered almost 300 children and a glamorous gala dinner with some 650 guests that raised more than Dh 400,000 for the two supported charities, the Dubai Centre for Special Needs and the Little Dreams Foundation. The event was capped off with 300 VVIP's being invited to the Phil Collins concert. Another coup on Delwood's list of acolades was the return of the Harlem Globetrotters to the Middle East for their first tour in 19 years. The most successful and famous sports team in history, the Globetrotters spent four sold-out days in Dubai in April 2006 as part of their 80th anniversary world tour, displaying their athletic prowess to more than 11,000 enthusiastic fans.
For Delwood General Manager, Eric Gottschalk, inviting the Globetrotters to Dubai represented an obvious choice given the team's immense popularity. "There is hardly any activity on offer in Dubai that caters to families. Concerts, horse races, golf and rugby are for adults, but the Harlem Globetrotters fascinate the five-year-old as much as his or her grandparents. It's the perfect show - you don't want to miss it and you want to see it again as soon as you have experienced it once. It is the perfect combination of fun, entertainment and competitive sport." January 2006 marked another first for Delwood when they organised the Dubai Soccer Friendlies under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. On behalf of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and main sponsor Alpha Tours, Delwood was responsible for bringing together FC Bayern Munich and FC Zürich, VfB Stuttgart and FC Zürich and World Cup 2006
finalists Ivory Coast and VfB Stuttgart for friendlies at the Dubai Cultural Sports Club. Delwood is also responsible for introducing Futsal - the FIFArecognised five-a-side indoor football game played professionally in more than 70 countries - to the region. To this end, Delwood has already hosted The Futsal Cup, a 16team competition, at Hayya! Meadows Village, and a permanent adults Futsal league staring in late 2006. Because it is played indoors, Futsal is a natural choice for the UAE and Delwood's goal is to nurture the game in the country and promote official UAE representation at future GCC and Asian competitions. Gottschalk also stresses that Delwood events are family oriented, which is important because families in the region are very tight-knit and because health and sports education starts in the family setting, where life-long attitudes to fitness are developed. It is for this reason that Delwood is committed to ensuring physical education
Tennis celebrity Bjorn Borg and young tennis enthusiasts join forces
Bringing sports to youngsters with special needs
becomes more mainstream in the GCC, which it hopes will help combat the growing problem of obesity and keep the population stronger and fitter. As such, the company plans to bring the Futsal concept into the education system and, through initiatives such as football clinics, create more opportunities for youth involvement in sports. This includes the ITF Junior Tennis Championship, currently in its fifth year, which has become the biggest international junior tournament in the GCC with more than 200 participants from 40 countries competing. The category four event supports grass roots tennis in the UAE and gives local talent a chance to compete at the international level. For Dowlatshahi, the major difficulty in developing grassroots sporting education is changing corporate attitudes toward investment: "Building programmes like this is anything but commercial, especially for the first few years", he argues. "Making all parties involved understand, this is our main challenge."
310
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
311
Another challenge Dowlatshahi identifies is making corporate sponsors aware of the value of big-ticket charity-driven events to their communications strategies. In a market already awash with corporate hospitality schemes, a Delwood event can provide a fresh alternative to the well-worn annual path of Dubai's social events. If event organizers learn to synchronize their calendars and strategize as to how they can complement, and not compete, with each other, the sky is the limit, he says. "Bill Gates has changed the world by taking the concept, 'you are what you give' to its logical end - companies sharing their multimillion dollar profits with those who are less fortunate", said Dowlatshahi. Accordingly, each Delwood event has a specific charity beneficiary that works with children and underscores the link between sports and community. Particular beneficiaries are the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, the Little Dreams Foundation and the King Hussein Centre for Cancer.
As for the success of the company, Dowlatshahi attributes this to a focus on quality, not quantity. "We always try to secure the best: the best venue, the best entertainment, the best food, and so on." This success, is expected to continue in the future. Nevertheless, he is reticent about what it is that Delwood has in store. "Delwood will always be interested in trendy sports and sports that cater to families, but they have to fit in with our objectives, just like the Futsal. We like to be forerunners in certain areas and if you take a look at what the UAE has to offer today and what is missing you might guess the next big project we have in mind." Baseball? American football? Skiing? Whatever will be the next sport to benefit from Delwood's largesse, it is sure to take off in the Emirates and to continue to benefit the next generation of fans and players alike. Tel.: +9714 368 1548 www.delwoodsportsmarketing.com
For Delwood General Manager, Eric Gottschalk, inviting the Globetrotters to Dubai represented an obvious choice given the team's immense popularity. "There is hardly any activity on offer in Dubai that caters to families. Concerts, horse races, golf and rugby are for adults, but the Harlem Globetrotters fascinate the five-year-old as much as his or her grandparents. It's the perfect show - you don't want to miss it and you want to see it again as soon as you have experienced it once. It is the perfect combination of fun, entertainment and competitive sport." January 2006 marked another first for Delwood when they organised the Dubai Soccer Friendlies under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. On behalf of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and main sponsor Alpha Tours, Delwood was responsible for bringing together FC Bayern Munich and FC Zürich, VfB Stuttgart and FC Zürich and World Cup 2006
finalists Ivory Coast and VfB Stuttgart for friendlies at the Dubai Cultural Sports Club. Delwood is also responsible for introducing Futsal - the FIFArecognised five-a-side indoor football game played professionally in more than 70 countries - to the region. To this end, Delwood has already hosted The Futsal Cup, a 16team competition, at Hayya! Meadows Village, and a permanent adults Futsal league staring in late 2006. Because it is played indoors, Futsal is a natural choice for the UAE and Delwood's goal is to nurture the game in the country and promote official UAE representation at future GCC and Asian competitions. Gottschalk also stresses that Delwood events are family oriented, which is important because families in the region are very tight-knit and because health and sports education starts in the family setting, where life-long attitudes to fitness are developed. It is for this reason that Delwood is committed to ensuring physical education
Tennis celebrity Bjorn Borg and young tennis enthusiasts join forces
Bringing sports to youngsters with special needs
becomes more mainstream in the GCC, which it hopes will help combat the growing problem of obesity and keep the population stronger and fitter. As such, the company plans to bring the Futsal concept into the education system and, through initiatives such as football clinics, create more opportunities for youth involvement in sports. This includes the ITF Junior Tennis Championship, currently in its fifth year, which has become the biggest international junior tournament in the GCC with more than 200 participants from 40 countries competing. The category four event supports grass roots tennis in the UAE and gives local talent a chance to compete at the international level. For Dowlatshahi, the major difficulty in developing grassroots sporting education is changing corporate attitudes toward investment: "Building programmes like this is anything but commercial, especially for the first few years", he argues. "Making all parties involved understand, this is our main challenge."
310
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
311
Another challenge Dowlatshahi identifies is making corporate sponsors aware of the value of big-ticket charity-driven events to their communications strategies. In a market already awash with corporate hospitality schemes, a Delwood event can provide a fresh alternative to the well-worn annual path of Dubai's social events. If event organizers learn to synchronize their calendars and strategize as to how they can complement, and not compete, with each other, the sky is the limit, he says. "Bill Gates has changed the world by taking the concept, 'you are what you give' to its logical end - companies sharing their multimillion dollar profits with those who are less fortunate", said Dowlatshahi. Accordingly, each Delwood event has a specific charity beneficiary that works with children and underscores the link between sports and community. Particular beneficiaries are the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, the Little Dreams Foundation and the King Hussein Centre for Cancer.
As for the success of the company, Dowlatshahi attributes this to a focus on quality, not quantity. "We always try to secure the best: the best venue, the best entertainment, the best food, and so on." This success, is expected to continue in the future. Nevertheless, he is reticent about what it is that Delwood has in store. "Delwood will always be interested in trendy sports and sports that cater to families, but they have to fit in with our objectives, just like the Futsal. We like to be forerunners in certain areas and if you take a look at what the UAE has to offer today and what is missing you might guess the next big project we have in mind." Baseball? American football? Skiing? Whatever will be the next sport to benefit from Delwood's largesse, it is sure to take off in the Emirates and to continue to benefit the next generation of fans and players alike. Tel.: +9714 368 1548 www.delwoodsportsmarketing.com
The Arts & Media
Arts & Culture ArtWorks raises the cultural bar in Dubai and has become a major force in the region’s arts-and-business community, being at the heart of innovative projects which enrich the arts and culture landscape in this rapidly developing metropolis.
Ken Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Patricia Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Rachel Spencer, General Manager
Arabian Horses wait in line to be auctioned in the Gala Charity Auction.
The arts and culture aesthetic, so the team believes, is an essential component for a world-class city and must keep pace with the hothouse development of bricks and mortar. Working with clients in both the public and private sectors, and with an impressive range of projects either completed or in the works, ArtWorks strives to raise aesthetic goals, introduce new ideas and establish top-notch professional standards. In addition to an exciting array of public art programs, ArtWorks is at the heart of a number of significant arts, culture and heritage projects in the region. Established in Dubai in 2003, ArtWorks is the continuation of the principals’ 20 years arts-and-business endeavors in the Middle East. Patricia and Ken Palmer, co-Managing Directors, together have a wealth of arts, theater and financial experience. They apply their experience to understanding the context within which the cultural landscape is evolving in this part of the world. Rachel Spencer, General Manager, rounds the picture with a background in arts administration, sponsorship and project management from the UK. ArtWorks is probably best known in Dubai for its three public art programs – Camel Caravan, Celebration Of The Arabian Horse and Flight Of Falcons. These wonderful projects have delighted Dubai residents and tourists alike, have benefited from education programs and direct involvement from the community, served Dubai based businesses as a means to engage with the community and meet CSR objectives, and have raised more than US$4 million for charity. “Our projects have assisted many companies to implement their own community programs”, says Patricia. “We have been able to recognize and accommodate the needs of individual companies, whether it’s their bottom line or public
312
Best of Dubai
Dubai Dream, a star of the Camel Caravan public art parade. This stunning and intricate mirror mosaic piece, by locally based artists Loretta Bilinskaite-Burke & Jenjira Prasertsin, captured the hearts of many and can still be seen gleaming at the Emirates Towers Hotel where it stands proudly on display.
Best of Dubai
313
relations activities, and at the same time our programs have met a diverse range of community and stakeholder expectations, from both the public and private sectors as well as the community at large”. Flight Of Falcons exemplifies how these programs bring together the community through an arts-meetscharity project. Flight Of Falcons enjoys the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed and through them The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders (SME) is the headline sponsor. Twenty-five of the most prominent SME companies are sponsoring falcons for Dubai schools, and through the schools, thousands of children and parents are involved. Dozens of other companies are sponsoring falcons which will decorate the city for months before they are sold at a gala auction with the funds going to many charities and worthy organizations. Beyond its acknowledged excellence for devising, commissioning, and managing public art projects, ArtWorks is actively involved with a number of exciting cultural developments in the region. These include the Dubai International Film Festival, the Dubai Opera House,
the design of a number of specialty museums and festivals, and in collaboration with regional developers, the creation of integrated cultural complexes. Drawing on the skills and experience of an international team of alliance partners, ArtWorks has the capacity to assemble professional teams experienced in planning and implementing medium to complex projects for the culture and heritage sector. “We are very lucky to have as partners a team whose experience ranges from the development of arts and culture policy through to the planning and creation of museums and cultural districts,” says Rachel. “Their specialisms extend from market research, capital planning and business modelling in respect of art, culture and heritage development, right through to music and the performance arts, to arts education and so on. These skills are invaluable and we really are delighted to have them on board during such an exciting time of development in Dubai.” One such alliance partner, and key to the Dubai success story, is UKbased ABL Consulting, recognised to be one of Europe’s leading cultural consultancies and one of the largest independent firms in the industry. Offering services to cultural bodies,
The Arts & Media
Arts & Culture ArtWorks raises the cultural bar in Dubai and has become a major force in the region’s arts-and-business community, being at the heart of innovative projects which enrich the arts and culture landscape in this rapidly developing metropolis.
Ken Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Patricia Palmer, Co-Managing Director; Rachel Spencer, General Manager
Arabian Horses wait in line to be auctioned in the Gala Charity Auction.
The arts and culture aesthetic, so the team believes, is an essential component for a world-class city and must keep pace with the hothouse development of bricks and mortar. Working with clients in both the public and private sectors, and with an impressive range of projects either completed or in the works, ArtWorks strives to raise aesthetic goals, introduce new ideas and establish top-notch professional standards. In addition to an exciting array of public art programs, ArtWorks is at the heart of a number of significant arts, culture and heritage projects in the region. Established in Dubai in 2003, ArtWorks is the continuation of the principals’ 20 years arts-and-business endeavors in the Middle East. Patricia and Ken Palmer, co-Managing Directors, together have a wealth of arts, theater and financial experience. They apply their experience to understanding the context within which the cultural landscape is evolving in this part of the world. Rachel Spencer, General Manager, rounds the picture with a background in arts administration, sponsorship and project management from the UK. ArtWorks is probably best known in Dubai for its three public art programs – Camel Caravan, Celebration Of The Arabian Horse and Flight Of Falcons. These wonderful projects have delighted Dubai residents and tourists alike, have benefited from education programs and direct involvement from the community, served Dubai based businesses as a means to engage with the community and meet CSR objectives, and have raised more than US$4 million for charity. “Our projects have assisted many companies to implement their own community programs”, says Patricia. “We have been able to recognize and accommodate the needs of individual companies, whether it’s their bottom line or public
312
Best of Dubai
Dubai Dream, a star of the Camel Caravan public art parade. This stunning and intricate mirror mosaic piece, by locally based artists Loretta Bilinskaite-Burke & Jenjira Prasertsin, captured the hearts of many and can still be seen gleaming at the Emirates Towers Hotel where it stands proudly on display.
Best of Dubai
313
relations activities, and at the same time our programs have met a diverse range of community and stakeholder expectations, from both the public and private sectors as well as the community at large”. Flight Of Falcons exemplifies how these programs bring together the community through an arts-meetscharity project. Flight Of Falcons enjoys the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed and through them The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders (SME) is the headline sponsor. Twenty-five of the most prominent SME companies are sponsoring falcons for Dubai schools, and through the schools, thousands of children and parents are involved. Dozens of other companies are sponsoring falcons which will decorate the city for months before they are sold at a gala auction with the funds going to many charities and worthy organizations. Beyond its acknowledged excellence for devising, commissioning, and managing public art projects, ArtWorks is actively involved with a number of exciting cultural developments in the region. These include the Dubai International Film Festival, the Dubai Opera House,
the design of a number of specialty museums and festivals, and in collaboration with regional developers, the creation of integrated cultural complexes. Drawing on the skills and experience of an international team of alliance partners, ArtWorks has the capacity to assemble professional teams experienced in planning and implementing medium to complex projects for the culture and heritage sector. “We are very lucky to have as partners a team whose experience ranges from the development of arts and culture policy through to the planning and creation of museums and cultural districts,” says Rachel. “Their specialisms extend from market research, capital planning and business modelling in respect of art, culture and heritage development, right through to music and the performance arts, to arts education and so on. These skills are invaluable and we really are delighted to have them on board during such an exciting time of development in Dubai.” One such alliance partner, and key to the Dubai success story, is UKbased ABL Consulting, recognised to be one of Europe’s leading cultural consultancies and one of the largest independent firms in the industry. Offering services to cultural bodies,
Teachers and students of Dubai English Speaking School created a beautiful falcon design in the colors of their school in which all 750 students could participate and leave their mark by writing their name on a feather.
One of the first falcons created for the Flight Of Falcons public art parade, as a gift to Dubai Municipality and painted using the distinct Municipality colours and motif.
The Emirates Banker Camel, another star of the show. This much coveted piece, created by the students of Latifa College for Emirates Bank, caused quite a stir when part way through the public art program it mysteriously disappeared from the streets of Dubai. The students gallantly rose to the challenge and set about creating their lovely piece a second time, finally raising AED 350,000 at auction for charity.
One Arab World – This elegant piece was created for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and stands at the Zabeel Palace Roundabout. Mohammed Al Nori of Tasmeem made this calligraphy work using paint and gold leaf.
government, development agencies, and artistic institutions this collaboration with ArtWorks for the Dubai market concentrates on the research and concept development of world class facilities which will contribute enormously to the pace of cultural development, cultural tourism and regional identity. ArtWorks has a keen sense of their development role in the Middle East. “While rich in their own culture and heritage, many societies in the Middle East are yet to share their heritage and artistic traditions with the rest of the world or to nurture international arts and cultural offerings for their local and growing expatriate populations. Bridging the gap – this is where ArtWorks fits in”, explains Ken. “Cities around the world are now actively competing with each other in the arts and cultural sector. In this age of globalisation, where labour and ideas know few boundaries, vibrant arts and culture environments can make the competitive difference in attracting tourists and new residents.” Christie’s Auctioneers Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie's South Kensington, and Jussi Pylkkänen, President of Christie's Europe, hosts of the Arabian Horse Gala Charity Auction.
314
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
315
Tel.: +9714 344 9486 www.artworks.ae
Teachers and students of Dubai English Speaking School created a beautiful falcon design in the colors of their school in which all 750 students could participate and leave their mark by writing their name on a feather.
One of the first falcons created for the Flight Of Falcons public art parade, as a gift to Dubai Municipality and painted using the distinct Municipality colours and motif.
The Emirates Banker Camel, another star of the show. This much coveted piece, created by the students of Latifa College for Emirates Bank, caused quite a stir when part way through the public art program it mysteriously disappeared from the streets of Dubai. The students gallantly rose to the challenge and set about creating their lovely piece a second time, finally raising AED 350,000 at auction for charity.
One Arab World – This elegant piece was created for H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and stands at the Zabeel Palace Roundabout. Mohammed Al Nori of Tasmeem made this calligraphy work using paint and gold leaf.
government, development agencies, and artistic institutions this collaboration with ArtWorks for the Dubai market concentrates on the research and concept development of world class facilities which will contribute enormously to the pace of cultural development, cultural tourism and regional identity. ArtWorks has a keen sense of their development role in the Middle East. “While rich in their own culture and heritage, many societies in the Middle East are yet to share their heritage and artistic traditions with the rest of the world or to nurture international arts and cultural offerings for their local and growing expatriate populations. Bridging the gap – this is where ArtWorks fits in”, explains Ken. “Cities around the world are now actively competing with each other in the arts and cultural sector. In this age of globalisation, where labour and ideas know few boundaries, vibrant arts and culture environments can make the competitive difference in attracting tourists and new residents.” Christie’s Auctioneers Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie's South Kensington, and Jussi Pylkkänen, President of Christie's Europe, hosts of the Arabian Horse Gala Charity Auction.
314
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
315
Tel.: +9714 344 9486 www.artworks.ae
The Arts & Media
Movie Media.qxp
12/28/2006
4:57 PM
Page 1
Making the Difference As you enter MovieMedia, a 12-year old film and video production house based in Deira, Dubai, a 35 mm Camaflex motion picture camera stares at you from the reception area and a BolexElectric 16 mm winks at you from the opposite corner.
George Jacob, Managing Director
"They are in perfect working condition and collector's items by now," says George Jacob, the proud owner of the cameras and the Managing Director and owner of MovieMedia. While the film-making world has been swept by a tide of technological advancements and digital cameras are the 'in' thing these days, there are those who still cherish the film cameras. "They are from the days of films when there were only films. Over the years, I have seen television; video and the internet emerge, putting communications and media on the fast track. Every day I am learning and our company has moved with the times and technology. In this business we cannot stand still." That's George Jacob, an alumnus of India's prestigious film school and winner of several awards for cinematography. As you start looking around MovieMedia you discover the tastefully done up premises is a complete utility place. Everywhere there are old cameras adorning the décor and they all work. The old cameras are examples of the man's passion and love for his work. They are a connoisseur's delight. MovieMedia has been adept at creatively tailoring its services to a client's needs. But please do not use the word ‘one-stop-shop’
says George. "Because we are story tellerswe provide script-to-screen services and anything in between", he adds with his characteristic laugh. As you delve into the past of the man and his organization it is a voyage into the growth of the Middle East media scenario. "We have always endeavoured to provide solutions for effective communications. All productions, be it corporate videos, TV commercials, training films, induction videos, documentaries, television content generation, they all reflect our strong belief in storytelling", says George. "Moving images combined with audio are the most digestible medium for a potential buyer. They can entertain, educate, attract and inspire in countless ways and forms", he adds. An effective production transcends having the best of equipment alone, but more importantly it is the people behind the equipment. "Our team of qualified and experienced cinematographers, editors, technicians are all film-school graduates and adept in all aspects of filmmaking. With an experience of more than 28 years in the Gulf itself, we bring to the productions the understanding gained over the years."
318
Best of Dubai
The Internet has transformed the way we communicate offering instant global access. All over the world progressive organizations are using videos on the web to enhance and spruce up the nature and quality of their communication. MovieMedia has tapped into this new emerging media to give value added service to its clients. “Webcasting is the new service that we are providing to our clients and for many it is very new in this region. From live webcasting of events to special video clips, messages and company news updates we do it all. We can continually update your web cast to build interest, loyalty and a high top-of-the-mind recall value. From content generation through content management and hosting, MovieMedia can provide a comprehensive service," he explains. Over the years MovieMedia has gained a substantial client base worldwide for line production, crewing and location services for various
MovieMedia Facilities Comprehensive script-to-screen services for video productions Post Production facilities - 3 digital editing stations Betacam / HDV/DV Cameras Digital and film still photography
filming activities in this region. It also has very close links with production houses in London and US and uses voice-over talents from the local talent pool as well as from US, UK and Europe. "At MovieMedia, we are primarily accountable for our productions. We want our clients and audience to know that it is a MovieMedia Production. Our association is not a standard client-production house relationship. We are all on the same side as partners. We create productions and simultaneously educate. That helps us in retaining and creating long-term associations," George adds. "We firmly believe that our combination of passion, ingenuity, skill, experience and accountability is the best way to ensure that our productions result in making the difference". Tel.: +9714 268 3873 www.moviemedia.tv
Productions Corporate films/videos Infomercials Commercials Training Programmes
Packshot studio for table tops and chroma key shoots
Company Communications
Crewing, line production and location services
Video News Release (VNR)
Original compositions and Library Music Stock Video Footage Script Development and Execution DVD Authoring Computer Graphics Animation
Webcasting Marketing Videos Product Demos Recruitment Programmes Health and Safety Induction films… ad infinitum Broadcast Productions Documentaries Music Videos News Crew Network Pieces Day-in-the-Life Network News Network Sports Celebrity Interviews Television content generation
Best of Dubai
319
The Arts & Media
Movie Media.qxp
12/28/2006
4:57 PM
Page 1
Making the Difference As you enter MovieMedia, a 12-year old film and video production house based in Deira, Dubai, a 35 mm Camaflex motion picture camera stares at you from the reception area and a BolexElectric 16 mm winks at you from the opposite corner.
George Jacob, Managing Director
"They are in perfect working condition and collector's items by now," says George Jacob, the proud owner of the cameras and the Managing Director and owner of MovieMedia. While the film-making world has been swept by a tide of technological advancements and digital cameras are the 'in' thing these days, there are those who still cherish the film cameras. "They are from the days of films when there were only films. Over the years, I have seen television; video and the internet emerge, putting communications and media on the fast track. Every day I am learning and our company has moved with the times and technology. In this business we cannot stand still." That's George Jacob, an alumnus of India's prestigious film school and winner of several awards for cinematography. As you start looking around MovieMedia you discover the tastefully done up premises is a complete utility place. Everywhere there are old cameras adorning the décor and they all work. The old cameras are examples of the man's passion and love for his work. They are a connoisseur's delight. MovieMedia has been adept at creatively tailoring its services to a client's needs. But please do not use the word ‘one-stop-shop’
says George. "Because we are story tellerswe provide script-to-screen services and anything in between", he adds with his characteristic laugh. As you delve into the past of the man and his organization it is a voyage into the growth of the Middle East media scenario. "We have always endeavoured to provide solutions for effective communications. All productions, be it corporate videos, TV commercials, training films, induction videos, documentaries, television content generation, they all reflect our strong belief in storytelling", says George. "Moving images combined with audio are the most digestible medium for a potential buyer. They can entertain, educate, attract and inspire in countless ways and forms", he adds. An effective production transcends having the best of equipment alone, but more importantly it is the people behind the equipment. "Our team of qualified and experienced cinematographers, editors, technicians are all film-school graduates and adept in all aspects of filmmaking. With an experience of more than 28 years in the Gulf itself, we bring to the productions the understanding gained over the years."
318
Best of Dubai
The Internet has transformed the way we communicate offering instant global access. All over the world progressive organizations are using videos on the web to enhance and spruce up the nature and quality of their communication. MovieMedia has tapped into this new emerging media to give value added service to its clients. “Webcasting is the new service that we are providing to our clients and for many it is very new in this region. From live webcasting of events to special video clips, messages and company news updates we do it all. We can continually update your web cast to build interest, loyalty and a high top-of-the-mind recall value. From content generation through content management and hosting, MovieMedia can provide a comprehensive service," he explains. Over the years MovieMedia has gained a substantial client base worldwide for line production, crewing and location services for various
MovieMedia Facilities Comprehensive script-to-screen services for video productions Post Production facilities - 3 digital editing stations Betacam / HDV/DV Cameras Digital and film still photography
filming activities in this region. It also has very close links with production houses in London and US and uses voice-over talents from the local talent pool as well as from US, UK and Europe. "At MovieMedia, we are primarily accountable for our productions. We want our clients and audience to know that it is a MovieMedia Production. Our association is not a standard client-production house relationship. We are all on the same side as partners. We create productions and simultaneously educate. That helps us in retaining and creating long-term associations," George adds. "We firmly believe that our combination of passion, ingenuity, skill, experience and accountability is the best way to ensure that our productions result in making the difference". Tel.: +9714 268 3873 www.moviemedia.tv
Productions Corporate films/videos Infomercials Commercials Training Programmes
Packshot studio for table tops and chroma key shoots
Company Communications
Crewing, line production and location services
Video News Release (VNR)
Original compositions and Library Music Stock Video Footage Script Development and Execution DVD Authoring Computer Graphics Animation
Webcasting Marketing Videos Product Demos Recruitment Programmes Health and Safety Induction films… ad infinitum Broadcast Productions Documentaries Music Videos News Crew Network Pieces Day-in-the-Life Network News Network Sports Celebrity Interviews Television content generation
Best of Dubai
319
The Arts & Media
Pankaj - Gulf Image.qxp
12/28/2006
5:05 PM
Page 1
Catch the Snap
Pankaj Shah with his wife Insy
An ebuillent and talented figure in the region’s blossoming cultural milieu where art and photography reign supreme, Pankaj Shah is a force to be reckoned with.
What prompted you to move from social work into photography and what was it that brought you to Dubai? “I started social work at the age of 20. I was young, full of passion and very idealistic. No sacrifice was too much if it meant I could serve my country and my people. I had taken up photography to record some of our activities for our in-house publications. When I left social work I naturally turned to my passion and made it into my profession.” How does the publishing/advertising industry in Dubai compare with other regions in which you have provided your services ? “My work has been published in over 35 countries and I have been commissioned by clients in USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Dubai is a strange market, at one end there seems to be limitless resources, at the other end everything is judged solely by how much it costs. At times a person's background seems to matter more than their abilities. The advertising industry needs to mature and stabilise.” What differentiates your work from other artists? “I would prefer to call myself a craftsman rather than an artist. What differentiates my work from others is perhaps the fact that I am a perfectionist and that means that I generally deliver a lot more than most clients expect. In a world where many scrape by delivering what is "just adequate" I tend to be an anachronism.” Given the diversity of your work, do you have a preferred genre of photography? A preferred location? Why ? “I love portraiture because it is always a challenge to capture the "essence" of an individual's personality rather than just capturing a person's likeness. I guess it is because of this that I keep getting called to do the "Official Corporate Portraits" of CEOs, President's of companies and public figures. I also revel at converting ordinary men and women to look glamorous. I love travel photography and can never forget the wonderful times I've had in China, Japan and USA. China and Japan have an amazing cultural heritage and the US has some amazing landscapes.” You have won a number of awards, what achievements are you most proud of and why? “It is a funny thing about awards, one should be very proud and happy to have got them, but while society gives a lot of importance to them, what really satisfies us as individuals and makes us proud are things that may not even have been noticed by others. More than awards I am proud of my work with young photographers who come to me to learn. On a more mundane level, the fact that I am entirely self taught as a photographer is a cause of wonder to many. I never attended any photography courses or worked as an intern with any other photographer. In spite of that many of my assistants have gone on to become successful professionals and I am often invited by higher educational institutions, also here in Dubai, to train their students.” What is gulfimages.com and how did it come about? How will gulfimages.com benefit the market place for your services? “Gulfimages.com is really my wife Insy's brainchild. We came to Dubai in 1998 and often saw images of blue eyed and blonde families or business men digitally "retouched" to make them look like locals. The results were quite pathetic but the poor ad agencies had no other option as there were no ‘local’ models to speak of. Insy saw the need for images shot locally and we started by approaching strangers in shopping malls and public places to become our models and soon had a collection of business and lifestyle images being offered as Royalty Free Stock images. Gulfimages.com soon became the premiere brand for local images and we expanded our collection to include other GCC countries. Five years and nearly a million Dirhams investment later we have become one of the best high end digital imaging studios in the GCC capable of taking on any project that requires quality and experience to carry out. The market place can benefit from my 29 years' experience around the world, something that I think hardly any other photographer in Dubai can offer.” What is the future for Pankaj Shah? “We are expanding rapidly and will soon have a new company called Hi-Brow operating out of Dubai Media City. This company will represent many new and exclusive image collections from around the world.” Tel.: +97150 452 1706 www.pankajshah.com
322
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
323
The Arts & Media
Pankaj - Gulf Image.qxp
12/28/2006
5:05 PM
Page 1
Catch the Snap
Pankaj Shah with his wife Insy
An ebuillent and talented figure in the region’s blossoming cultural milieu where art and photography reign supreme, Pankaj Shah is a force to be reckoned with.
What prompted you to move from social work into photography and what was it that brought you to Dubai? “I started social work at the age of 20. I was young, full of passion and very idealistic. No sacrifice was too much if it meant I could serve my country and my people. I had taken up photography to record some of our activities for our in-house publications. When I left social work I naturally turned to my passion and made it into my profession.” How does the publishing/advertising industry in Dubai compare with other regions in which you have provided your services ? “My work has been published in over 35 countries and I have been commissioned by clients in USA, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Dubai is a strange market, at one end there seems to be limitless resources, at the other end everything is judged solely by how much it costs. At times a person's background seems to matter more than their abilities. The advertising industry needs to mature and stabilise.” What differentiates your work from other artists? “I would prefer to call myself a craftsman rather than an artist. What differentiates my work from others is perhaps the fact that I am a perfectionist and that means that I generally deliver a lot more than most clients expect. In a world where many scrape by delivering what is "just adequate" I tend to be an anachronism.” Given the diversity of your work, do you have a preferred genre of photography? A preferred location? Why ? “I love portraiture because it is always a challenge to capture the "essence" of an individual's personality rather than just capturing a person's likeness. I guess it is because of this that I keep getting called to do the "Official Corporate Portraits" of CEOs, President's of companies and public figures. I also revel at converting ordinary men and women to look glamorous. I love travel photography and can never forget the wonderful times I've had in China, Japan and USA. China and Japan have an amazing cultural heritage and the US has some amazing landscapes.” You have won a number of awards, what achievements are you most proud of and why? “It is a funny thing about awards, one should be very proud and happy to have got them, but while society gives a lot of importance to them, what really satisfies us as individuals and makes us proud are things that may not even have been noticed by others. More than awards I am proud of my work with young photographers who come to me to learn. On a more mundane level, the fact that I am entirely self taught as a photographer is a cause of wonder to many. I never attended any photography courses or worked as an intern with any other photographer. In spite of that many of my assistants have gone on to become successful professionals and I am often invited by higher educational institutions, also here in Dubai, to train their students.” What is gulfimages.com and how did it come about? How will gulfimages.com benefit the market place for your services? “Gulfimages.com is really my wife Insy's brainchild. We came to Dubai in 1998 and often saw images of blue eyed and blonde families or business men digitally "retouched" to make them look like locals. The results were quite pathetic but the poor ad agencies had no other option as there were no ‘local’ models to speak of. Insy saw the need for images shot locally and we started by approaching strangers in shopping malls and public places to become our models and soon had a collection of business and lifestyle images being offered as Royalty Free Stock images. Gulfimages.com soon became the premiere brand for local images and we expanded our collection to include other GCC countries. Five years and nearly a million Dirhams investment later we have become one of the best high end digital imaging studios in the GCC capable of taking on any project that requires quality and experience to carry out. The market place can benefit from my 29 years' experience around the world, something that I think hardly any other photographer in Dubai can offer.” What is the future for Pankaj Shah? “We are expanding rapidly and will soon have a new company called Hi-Brow operating out of Dubai Media City. This company will represent many new and exclusive image collections from around the world.” Tel.: +97150 452 1706 www.pankajshah.com
322
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
323
The Arts & Media
One Of A Kind
With the growth of the Dubai market expected to see retail space triple by 2010 as the number of malls grows by 20 per cent, the emirate will take on the mantle of one of the most densely shopped cities in the world. With this in mind, and given Dubai's reputation as a 'shopper's paradise' - a place where shopping promotions and incentives are the norm - being able to outmanoeuvre the competition and keep the customers coming back is imperative. This is where One2One can help. One2One is a specialist loyalty management company that creates long-term consumer loyalty through interactive, sustained and highly personalised targeted marketing activities. Through the creation, management and operation of private loyalty programmes, One2One rewards customers providing them with the incentive to shop. Working with some of the best-known shopping malls and brand names in the UAE, One2One has built a solid reputation for providing a comprehensive array of loyalty services covering the full spectrum of managing relationships with their key customers. The aim is to convert casual shoppers as well as patrons into loyal customers, brand ambassadors and advocates cost effectively and conveniently for all. "Our focus is on customer relationship management or CRM as it is known", says Majid Ali, Chief Executive Officer One2One Group. "One2One's ethos is all about getting to know your customers better and actively managing relations with them on an individual basis. This kind of communication, which is specifically targeted and relevant to the end consumer's buying profile and habits, assists us in exposing new brands to potential audiences. It also serves in informing existing customers that their business is valued and appreciated by highlighting special offers and promotions in a timely and relevant way." Having got to know the customers, argues Ali, it is also important how the information they provide is used. "A CRM programme is not just simply having a database, we must work with retailers to shift their perceptions into operating CRM initiatives beyond that. Loyalty schemes of any description must also be a long-term commitment and an integral part of the overall marketing communications strategy, which values the intrinsic lifetime worth of each individual customer. After all, we are asking customers to identify themselves to a company or brand. There is a great deal of trust given by the customer when they choose to impart their personal information and it is up to us to incentivise them to make it worth their while and then to manage this information in an effective and appropriate manner. We employ cutting-edge data mining technologies, which are rated the best in the world, and programme accounting to provide accurate reporting and dynamic, multi-dimensional segmentation of the customer database", explains Ali. "This enables us to truly personalise offers to the most appropriate and relevant individuals and differentiate marketing communications to the most pertinent target audiences." As an in depth study of mass consumer behaviour, an analysis of working loyalty programmes provides a startling insight into purchasing habits, lifestyle, values and attitudes - all of which can be used to guide marketers in understanding their customers and developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships. "The communication process is dependent on client requirements and strategy, but the enormous benefit is that in the case of shopping malls, it allows the tenant and the property owner to operate under a fixed marketing budget", adds Ali. In providing such a specialised service, One2One ensures only the best results with exclusive rights to use the patented GraphiCard™ system throughout the Middle East. This ultra high-tech, flexible and highly interactive marketing tool has been proven to drive increased frequency and sales throughout the world and is recognised as both a customer reward programme and a sales promotion solution. The GraphiCard™ system uses heat sensitive technology to print, delete and rewrite a new customised message on the card face every time it is swiped in store. A magnetic strip stores specific data about every transaction in real time which can then be extracted using the Connect™ CRM engine. "Most CRM systems are typically sourced by IT or card manufacturers and as such, are constrained by their pre-set operational parameters," explains Ali. "The main difference with the GraphiCard™ system is that it has been developed from a complete marketing perspective, so it has taken the need for flexibility, timeliness and the need to tailor personalised messages to different target audiences into consideration." Because of its re-writeable face combined with this type of technology, there is the option of providing customised offers and sales incentives instantly at the point of sale, as well as enabling customers to view their points balance and rewards. "This allows us to be spontaneous and to capture the 'right mood, right now, in the right environment' mentality of many shoppers", concludes Ali.
As more and more malls and retail chains line the streets of Dubai and the region overall, competition for securing customer loyalty is hot.
Tel.: +9714 367 1039 www.o2ogroup.com
324
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
325
The Arts & Media
One Of A Kind
With the growth of the Dubai market expected to see retail space triple by 2010 as the number of malls grows by 20 per cent, the emirate will take on the mantle of one of the most densely shopped cities in the world. With this in mind, and given Dubai's reputation as a 'shopper's paradise' - a place where shopping promotions and incentives are the norm - being able to outmanoeuvre the competition and keep the customers coming back is imperative. This is where One2One can help. One2One is a specialist loyalty management company that creates long-term consumer loyalty through interactive, sustained and highly personalised targeted marketing activities. Through the creation, management and operation of private loyalty programmes, One2One rewards customers providing them with the incentive to shop. Working with some of the best-known shopping malls and brand names in the UAE, One2One has built a solid reputation for providing a comprehensive array of loyalty services covering the full spectrum of managing relationships with their key customers. The aim is to convert casual shoppers as well as patrons into loyal customers, brand ambassadors and advocates cost effectively and conveniently for all. "Our focus is on customer relationship management or CRM as it is known", says Majid Ali, Chief Executive Officer One2One Group. "One2One's ethos is all about getting to know your customers better and actively managing relations with them on an individual basis. This kind of communication, which is specifically targeted and relevant to the end consumer's buying profile and habits, assists us in exposing new brands to potential audiences. It also serves in informing existing customers that their business is valued and appreciated by highlighting special offers and promotions in a timely and relevant way." Having got to know the customers, argues Ali, it is also important how the information they provide is used. "A CRM programme is not just simply having a database, we must work with retailers to shift their perceptions into operating CRM initiatives beyond that. Loyalty schemes of any description must also be a long-term commitment and an integral part of the overall marketing communications strategy, which values the intrinsic lifetime worth of each individual customer. After all, we are asking customers to identify themselves to a company or brand. There is a great deal of trust given by the customer when they choose to impart their personal information and it is up to us to incentivise them to make it worth their while and then to manage this information in an effective and appropriate manner. We employ cutting-edge data mining technologies, which are rated the best in the world, and programme accounting to provide accurate reporting and dynamic, multi-dimensional segmentation of the customer database", explains Ali. "This enables us to truly personalise offers to the most appropriate and relevant individuals and differentiate marketing communications to the most pertinent target audiences." As an in depth study of mass consumer behaviour, an analysis of working loyalty programmes provides a startling insight into purchasing habits, lifestyle, values and attitudes - all of which can be used to guide marketers in understanding their customers and developing long-term mutually beneficial relationships. "The communication process is dependent on client requirements and strategy, but the enormous benefit is that in the case of shopping malls, it allows the tenant and the property owner to operate under a fixed marketing budget", adds Ali. In providing such a specialised service, One2One ensures only the best results with exclusive rights to use the patented GraphiCard™ system throughout the Middle East. This ultra high-tech, flexible and highly interactive marketing tool has been proven to drive increased frequency and sales throughout the world and is recognised as both a customer reward programme and a sales promotion solution. The GraphiCard™ system uses heat sensitive technology to print, delete and rewrite a new customised message on the card face every time it is swiped in store. A magnetic strip stores specific data about every transaction in real time which can then be extracted using the Connect™ CRM engine. "Most CRM systems are typically sourced by IT or card manufacturers and as such, are constrained by their pre-set operational parameters," explains Ali. "The main difference with the GraphiCard™ system is that it has been developed from a complete marketing perspective, so it has taken the need for flexibility, timeliness and the need to tailor personalised messages to different target audiences into consideration." Because of its re-writeable face combined with this type of technology, there is the option of providing customised offers and sales incentives instantly at the point of sale, as well as enabling customers to view their points balance and rewards. "This allows us to be spontaneous and to capture the 'right mood, right now, in the right environment' mentality of many shoppers", concludes Ali.
As more and more malls and retail chains line the streets of Dubai and the region overall, competition for securing customer loyalty is hot.
Tel.: +9714 367 1039 www.o2ogroup.com
324
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
325
"Stagnation means regression, therefore you should strive to develop. If you cannot, you should give up your place to others". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 19 Training & Education
"Stagnation means regression, therefore you should strive to develop. If you cannot, you should give up your place to others". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 19 Training & Education
Training & Education
Destination Education UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious.
With more and more expatriate families expected to stay longer in Dubai to take advantage of the new freehold ownership laws and with 25 per cent of the local Emirati population under 25 years of age, there is an increasing demand for Dubai-based, internationally accredited post-secondary education. Previously, youngsters from the UAE would have fanned out through the world, heading for schools in Europe or North America. Enduring long hours of travel just to go to an accredited university is no longer necessary, however, with the presence of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). Established in 1993 as the Australian Institute of Studies offering undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in business and information technology, UOWD rapidly broadened its focus. UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious. UOWD degrees are well respected and recognised within the UAE and internationally and graduates receive a quality degree accredited by the Australian government in the areas of business or information technology. The institution's name, University of Wollongong in Dubai, reflects its historical association with the University of Wollongong in Australia, a dynamic institution with an international outlook and a growing reputation for providing quality education and research. The University's strength in collaborative research was acknowledged in 1999
are business and industry professionals, provides students with a stimulating educational environment that is sure to position them as the leaders of tomorrow, equipped with superior critical faculties that will stand them in good stead in today’s rapidly changing, politically volatile, internationally focused and information-based world. Students enjoy a pulsating social life on campus with facilities including a food court, an active Student Representative Council, personal and academic counselling, a medical centre and a wellstocked library. Full accommodation options are also available within close proximity to the University. Moreover, with Dubai’s location as a safe and easily accessed hub between the Middle East, the Subcontinent and Eastern Africa, the mélange of ethnicities and languages among UOWD students is truly astounding. A global village microcosm, with over 2200 students from approximately 80 different countries, the UOWD’s strikingly diverse student body can only add an extra dimension to student’s educational experience: a facility with cross-cultural communication, an opportunity to hear first-hand the experiences of people from all over the
when UOW won the 'University of Year' Award for its "Outstanding Research and Development Partnerships". It is consistently rated among the top universities of Australia, and hosts several internationally active research centres, particularly in telecommunications, social policy, health services, advanced materials engineering and the environment. In 2005, the university was ranked Australia’s top university for teaching performance. UOWD is situated in Knowledge Village, Dubai’s education precinct, located next to the Media and Internet Cities, which house the world’s top corporations in the very fields that UOWD students will be poised to enter. Its faculty of internationally-recruited academics, many of whom
328
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
329
world, and enjoy interesting post-lecture discussion too. The university maintains its excellence with a combination of commitment to continuous growth and adherence to strong principles. UOWD’s CEO, Professor Nicholas van der Walt, states, “As an organisation, our aim is to excel in providing services of superior quality to our students and stakeholders and to excel over our competitors. We apply moral and professional principles, ensuring employees always carry out their roles and responsibilities with honesty, diligence and an understanding of the ‘right’ approach to best practice.” Graduates of UOWD attain attributes that will serve them for life: commitment to independent learning, intellectual development, critical analysis, ethical standards and self-confidence. Combined with an appreciation of cultural and intellectual diversity and a capacity for teamwork, students are empowered to initiate and participate in organisational, social and cultural change in the Information Age. Tel.: +9714 367 2400 www.uowdubai.ac.ae
Training & Education
Destination Education UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious.
With more and more expatriate families expected to stay longer in Dubai to take advantage of the new freehold ownership laws and with 25 per cent of the local Emirati population under 25 years of age, there is an increasing demand for Dubai-based, internationally accredited post-secondary education. Previously, youngsters from the UAE would have fanned out through the world, heading for schools in Europe or North America. Enduring long hours of travel just to go to an accredited university is no longer necessary, however, with the presence of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). Established in 1993 as the Australian Institute of Studies offering undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in business and information technology, UOWD rapidly broadened its focus. UOWD is not only one of UAE’s oldest universities, it has also developed into one of the most prestigious. UOWD degrees are well respected and recognised within the UAE and internationally and graduates receive a quality degree accredited by the Australian government in the areas of business or information technology. The institution's name, University of Wollongong in Dubai, reflects its historical association with the University of Wollongong in Australia, a dynamic institution with an international outlook and a growing reputation for providing quality education and research. The University's strength in collaborative research was acknowledged in 1999
are business and industry professionals, provides students with a stimulating educational environment that is sure to position them as the leaders of tomorrow, equipped with superior critical faculties that will stand them in good stead in today’s rapidly changing, politically volatile, internationally focused and information-based world. Students enjoy a pulsating social life on campus with facilities including a food court, an active Student Representative Council, personal and academic counselling, a medical centre and a wellstocked library. Full accommodation options are also available within close proximity to the University. Moreover, with Dubai’s location as a safe and easily accessed hub between the Middle East, the Subcontinent and Eastern Africa, the mélange of ethnicities and languages among UOWD students is truly astounding. A global village microcosm, with over 2200 students from approximately 80 different countries, the UOWD’s strikingly diverse student body can only add an extra dimension to student’s educational experience: a facility with cross-cultural communication, an opportunity to hear first-hand the experiences of people from all over the
when UOW won the 'University of Year' Award for its "Outstanding Research and Development Partnerships". It is consistently rated among the top universities of Australia, and hosts several internationally active research centres, particularly in telecommunications, social policy, health services, advanced materials engineering and the environment. In 2005, the university was ranked Australia’s top university for teaching performance. UOWD is situated in Knowledge Village, Dubai’s education precinct, located next to the Media and Internet Cities, which house the world’s top corporations in the very fields that UOWD students will be poised to enter. Its faculty of internationally-recruited academics, many of whom
328
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
329
world, and enjoy interesting post-lecture discussion too. The university maintains its excellence with a combination of commitment to continuous growth and adherence to strong principles. UOWD’s CEO, Professor Nicholas van der Walt, states, “As an organisation, our aim is to excel in providing services of superior quality to our students and stakeholders and to excel over our competitors. We apply moral and professional principles, ensuring employees always carry out their roles and responsibilities with honesty, diligence and an understanding of the ‘right’ approach to best practice.” Graduates of UOWD attain attributes that will serve them for life: commitment to independent learning, intellectual development, critical analysis, ethical standards and self-confidence. Combined with an appreciation of cultural and intellectual diversity and a capacity for teamwork, students are empowered to initiate and participate in organisational, social and cultural change in the Information Age. Tel.: +9714 367 2400 www.uowdubai.ac.ae
Training & Education
Knowledge Village Final.qxp
12/10/06
4:38 PM
Page 1
Educational Horizons A bold testament to the emirate’s confidence in the knowledge economy as a means of creating prosperity and employment opportunities, Knowledge Village stands forth as a successful model of Dubai’s determination to harness the power of education to the advantage of the region by bringing together the world’s best academic institutions and training centres under one roof.
330
Best of Dubai
Knowledge Village Final.qxp
12/10/06
4:39 PM
Page 2
Dr. Ayoub, Executive Director
Best of Dubai
331
The cluster, launched in September 2003, provides an advanced infrastructure for a variety of educational and research organizations to create and disseminate knowledge. Its mission is to create a vibrant, connected learning community to develop the region’s talent pool and accelerate its move into the knowledge economy. Dubai Knowledge Village was conceived as part of a strategic, long-term socio-economic plan to foster an information society in Dubai and the region, as well as to complete the basic foundation required for a structured growth of the emirate’s emerging knowledge economy. Designed to create an advanced holistic learning and research environment with participation from leading tertiary institutions from around the world, Dubai Knowledge Village complements its sister free zone entities, the Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, International Media Production Zone, Empower, e-Hosting Datafort, Dubai Outsource Zone, Dubiotech, ITEP and TAMKEEN. It aims to feed talent and innovation into these institutions as well as benefit from the knowledge of its community of professionals, thus constituting one of the vital clusters in Dubai’s knowledge economy. Dubai Knowledge Village provides the infrastructure and environment to service a variety of knowledge entities including academic institutes, professional training centres and learning support organisations. More than 7,000 students are currently enrolled in various institutions operating out of this beautifully planned educational cluster, close to both Dubai’s other free zones and the shores of the Arabian Sea too. With the goal of the Knowledge Village to position the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone as a global and regional centre of excellence for learning and innovation, prominent international universities from Australia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada have set up base offering advanced programmes in computing, technology, business management, life sciences, fashion and media, among other specialisations. A unique campus ambience has been fostered by ensuring a stimulating and welcoming atmosphere for students,
professionals, teachers, instructors, researchers and scientists to interact. Business segments at Dubai Knowledge Village include academic institutes, management development centres, professional training centres, research and development centres, human resource development centres and e-learning providers. Academic Institutes There are currently 16 prominent international universities from different countries operating at the Knowledge Village. These include the University of Wollongong in Dubai, from Australia, Middlesex University Dubai Campus, from UK and S.P Jain Centre of Management Dubai, from India among others. These institutions offer programmes that range in duration from one year to four years. Major academic programmes on offer include engineering, computer science, fashion and design, biotechnology, environmental studies, quality management and business management programmes. Training Centres In addition to universities and institutions of higher education Knowledge Village also plays host to more than 350 training centres which include human resource development centres, professional training institutes, R&D organizations, innovation centres and e-learning companies. The training centres at Knowledge Village include leading global as well as regional players who are both experienced and well positioned to meet the requirements of individuals and small to very large organisations. New Campus @ Dubai Academic City Several internationally renowned institutions of higher education will be based at the new campus of Dubai Knowledge Village at Academic City. The new campus will give students access to an even wider range of degrees and programmes, all from one location. Set amidst an exquisitely landscaped area, the sprawling campus will have an ambience that matches the best academic environments in the US, Europe and Australia. It will offer students a campus lifestyle comparable to that offered by the world’s leading universities. Tel.: +9714 390 1111 www.kv.ae
Training & Education
American Higher Education.qxp
12/27/2006
1:10 PM
Page 1
Advancing Education for the World For many students, studying at an American university is a lifelong dream. American Higher Education (AHEd) helps them achieve this vision by exporting U.S. education throughout the world. AHEd's fundamental mission is to bring the highest quality American education to those who would otherwise not have access to it.
Through collaboration with America's top universities, AHEd is tackling some of the world's toughest challenges in education. It is increasing access to the best university education available from the U.S., strengthening teachers as instructional leaders, training nurses for a global need, and encouraging professional development in all fields - from engineering to management development. AHEd's learning centers offer top-quality computer labs, professional development advisors, library and e-library access, face-to-face lectures with visiting faculty, and a writing centre. AHEd works closely with Columbia University, and from anywhere in the world qualified students can attain Master's degrees or certificates from its Fu School of Engineering. Columbia is opening frontiers in an expanding array of fields, from financial engineering to corrosion control. Its engineering and applied science programs are among the nation's oldest and most influential. They use online technology and innovative approaches, including computer-assisted design and the use of "smart" materials, to enhance the virtual learning experience. Students download class lectures and watch them at their convenience during the week. They communicate by e-mail with professors, use their workplace as a living laboratory, and test in the AHEd computer centres. The AHEd commitment to education continues after a degree has been completed, through professional development. It is closely affiliated with Boston University Corporate Education Center (BU), with whom it organises a full range of online project management training. BU and AHEd also offer periodic onsite Project Management training at AHEd's Knowledge Village offices. With one of the largest international student populations of any American university, BU embodies the diversity that characterises the United States. AHEd also has strong ties to WIDE World developed at Harvard Graduate School of Education which offers online teacher training programs. School districts committed to raising their district's overall quality of education participate in WIDE World, which connects classroom activities to real-world challenges. Teachers learn the most cutting-edge techniques in education, including how to assess student performance and understanding, and how to help their students become active self, and peer-assessors. They also become skilled at using technology, differentiated learning, and content-specific strategies to improve student performance and promote deeper understanding of educational content. The professional development training that AHEd provides also includes the AHEd Communications Institute (ACI), which trains its participants to sharpen their business communications skills with techniques they can apply on the job the next day. Using Harvard Business School case studies, participants learn to make dynamic presentations, write e-mails and reports that are clear and succinct, use modern language, summarise their point of view in meetings, and improve fluency in business conversations. ACI training is available to the general public, and is also customised for the needs of private corporations. American Higher Education is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, and has branch offices in Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE, and New Delhi, India. AHEd has representatives in Seoul, Singapore, and China. Tel: +9714 369 3870 Website: www.americanhighered.com
332
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
333
Training & Education
American Higher Education.qxp
12/27/2006
1:10 PM
Page 1
Advancing Education for the World For many students, studying at an American university is a lifelong dream. American Higher Education (AHEd) helps them achieve this vision by exporting U.S. education throughout the world. AHEd's fundamental mission is to bring the highest quality American education to those who would otherwise not have access to it.
Through collaboration with America's top universities, AHEd is tackling some of the world's toughest challenges in education. It is increasing access to the best university education available from the U.S., strengthening teachers as instructional leaders, training nurses for a global need, and encouraging professional development in all fields - from engineering to management development. AHEd's learning centers offer top-quality computer labs, professional development advisors, library and e-library access, face-to-face lectures with visiting faculty, and a writing centre. AHEd works closely with Columbia University, and from anywhere in the world qualified students can attain Master's degrees or certificates from its Fu School of Engineering. Columbia is opening frontiers in an expanding array of fields, from financial engineering to corrosion control. Its engineering and applied science programs are among the nation's oldest and most influential. They use online technology and innovative approaches, including computer-assisted design and the use of "smart" materials, to enhance the virtual learning experience. Students download class lectures and watch them at their convenience during the week. They communicate by e-mail with professors, use their workplace as a living laboratory, and test in the AHEd computer centres. The AHEd commitment to education continues after a degree has been completed, through professional development. It is closely affiliated with Boston University Corporate Education Center (BU), with whom it organises a full range of online project management training. BU and AHEd also offer periodic onsite Project Management training at AHEd's Knowledge Village offices. With one of the largest international student populations of any American university, BU embodies the diversity that characterises the United States. AHEd also has strong ties to WIDE World developed at Harvard Graduate School of Education which offers online teacher training programs. School districts committed to raising their district's overall quality of education participate in WIDE World, which connects classroom activities to real-world challenges. Teachers learn the most cutting-edge techniques in education, including how to assess student performance and understanding, and how to help their students become active self, and peer-assessors. They also become skilled at using technology, differentiated learning, and content-specific strategies to improve student performance and promote deeper understanding of educational content. The professional development training that AHEd provides also includes the AHEd Communications Institute (ACI), which trains its participants to sharpen their business communications skills with techniques they can apply on the job the next day. Using Harvard Business School case studies, participants learn to make dynamic presentations, write e-mails and reports that are clear and succinct, use modern language, summarise their point of view in meetings, and improve fluency in business conversations. ACI training is available to the general public, and is also customised for the needs of private corporations. American Higher Education is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, and has branch offices in Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE, and New Delhi, India. AHEd has representatives in Seoul, Singapore, and China. Tel: +9714 369 3870 Website: www.americanhighered.com
332
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
333
12/28/2006
Training & Education
rcsi.qxp
5:50 PM
Page 1
RCSI Leads Healthcare Management Training For over two hundred years, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has played a pivotal role in surgical and medical education. As one of Ireland's most progressive institutions, incorporating state-ofthe-art technology and teaching methods, the college has now made its expertise available in Dubai with a campus in Knowledge Village. Mylin Lourdes Araujo - Administrator, Dr. Steve Benjamin - Lecturer, Mimi Copty - Programme Director, Tina Joyce - Director of Operations, Prof. Ciarán O’Boyle - Head of School, Samar Hammam - Administrator
Professor Michael Butler, President of the Royal Surgeons In Ireland with HH the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
RCSI Dubai was launched in 2005 and, in its initial phase, provides postgraduate training and education in management and leadership delivered by RCSI's International School of Healthcare Management. Health professionals and consultancy services in the UAE have access to a specialised training and development programme, regardless of whether they are working in the private or public sector, with doctors, nurses, managers and allied health professionals all benefiting. "The interest in the programme has been strong", explains RCSI Dubai Director of Operations, Tina Joyce, "and students include a good mix of senior doctors, nurses, managers and policy makers with a strong interest in building up their managerial expertise and knowledge." RCSI Dubai represents a further strengthening of the close ties between the RCSI in Dublin and the Middle East, with Joyce expressing no doubt as to why having a campus in the emirate was a must. "We have chosen to locate in Dubai because of its pivotal location in the Middle East and its very strong focus on education and learning. Many of our graduates have gone on to senior positions within their own countries since they have benefited in their careers from having an internationally recognised management qualification”, says Joyce. Globally, the School of Healthcare Management has been at the forefront of management education and training for the health sector for over ten years, providing MBA, MSc and Diploma programmes. The School prides itself on being progressive and has developed strong links with health care providers and institutions both in Ireland and internationally. "We have a very long relationship with the Middle East and have been taking students from there for 40 years," states Professor Ciaran A O'Boyle, Head of School of Healthcare Management. “Our core purpose is to educate and train people working in the healthcare system to develop themselves and their organisations. The Faculty work with individual managers, teams and organisations to help them understand the forces that shape their environments, so that they can develop, respond and deliver the best possible services in the most efficient and effective way”, he concludes. RCSI Dubai currently provides two MSc programmes, a
336
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
337
Masters in Healthcare Management and a Masters in Quality in Healthcare. These programmes are identical to the programmes offered in Ireland and follow the educational philosophy of the School being adult learning-centred, with the primary focus on helping individual learners to develop themselves, their organisation and the health system. As in Ireland, the RCSI Dubai approach to teaching is participative and interactive, providing an environment for participants to learn from experience through reflection, dialogue, advocacy and enquiry. RCSI Dubai faculty also works to ensure the quality of the programmes through listening to participants, continuing research and development and through ongoing consultation and interaction with the healthcare systems. The training programme is held in such high esteem that the Government of Dubai is using it to benefit its employees. “Having a medical background as a physician and currently working in administration in a healthcare institution enthused me to pursue a degree that would help me obtain the knowledge and skills required for management. I firmly believe that administration is a science that transforms into an art on practical application and choosing the RCSI Masters Program was one of the best decisions I made”, states Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, Senior Administrative Officer at the Office of the Assistant Director general (Medical Affairs) at the Department of Health and Medical Services. “The College’s long standing reputation in quality education and its convenient location in Dubai were just two of the many reasons I opted for this. The program has provided me with the general concepts of management necessary to enhance my skills in areas such as leadership and strategic planning. The cohort of students allowed me to learn from others and share different views and ideas. The learning environment was superb and I am sure the whole team had a great learning experience!” Tel.: +9714 3616282 www.rcsidubai.com www.rcsi.ie
12/28/2006
Training & Education
rcsi.qxp
5:50 PM
Page 1
RCSI Leads Healthcare Management Training For over two hundred years, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has played a pivotal role in surgical and medical education. As one of Ireland's most progressive institutions, incorporating state-ofthe-art technology and teaching methods, the college has now made its expertise available in Dubai with a campus in Knowledge Village. Mylin Lourdes Araujo - Administrator, Dr. Steve Benjamin - Lecturer, Mimi Copty - Programme Director, Tina Joyce - Director of Operations, Prof. Ciarán O’Boyle - Head of School, Samar Hammam - Administrator
Professor Michael Butler, President of the Royal Surgeons In Ireland with HH the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
RCSI Dubai was launched in 2005 and, in its initial phase, provides postgraduate training and education in management and leadership delivered by RCSI's International School of Healthcare Management. Health professionals and consultancy services in the UAE have access to a specialised training and development programme, regardless of whether they are working in the private or public sector, with doctors, nurses, managers and allied health professionals all benefiting. "The interest in the programme has been strong", explains RCSI Dubai Director of Operations, Tina Joyce, "and students include a good mix of senior doctors, nurses, managers and policy makers with a strong interest in building up their managerial expertise and knowledge." RCSI Dubai represents a further strengthening of the close ties between the RCSI in Dublin and the Middle East, with Joyce expressing no doubt as to why having a campus in the emirate was a must. "We have chosen to locate in Dubai because of its pivotal location in the Middle East and its very strong focus on education and learning. Many of our graduates have gone on to senior positions within their own countries since they have benefited in their careers from having an internationally recognised management qualification”, says Joyce. Globally, the School of Healthcare Management has been at the forefront of management education and training for the health sector for over ten years, providing MBA, MSc and Diploma programmes. The School prides itself on being progressive and has developed strong links with health care providers and institutions both in Ireland and internationally. "We have a very long relationship with the Middle East and have been taking students from there for 40 years," states Professor Ciaran A O'Boyle, Head of School of Healthcare Management. “Our core purpose is to educate and train people working in the healthcare system to develop themselves and their organisations. The Faculty work with individual managers, teams and organisations to help them understand the forces that shape their environments, so that they can develop, respond and deliver the best possible services in the most efficient and effective way”, he concludes. RCSI Dubai currently provides two MSc programmes, a
336
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
337
Masters in Healthcare Management and a Masters in Quality in Healthcare. These programmes are identical to the programmes offered in Ireland and follow the educational philosophy of the School being adult learning-centred, with the primary focus on helping individual learners to develop themselves, their organisation and the health system. As in Ireland, the RCSI Dubai approach to teaching is participative and interactive, providing an environment for participants to learn from experience through reflection, dialogue, advocacy and enquiry. RCSI Dubai faculty also works to ensure the quality of the programmes through listening to participants, continuing research and development and through ongoing consultation and interaction with the healthcare systems. The training programme is held in such high esteem that the Government of Dubai is using it to benefit its employees. “Having a medical background as a physician and currently working in administration in a healthcare institution enthused me to pursue a degree that would help me obtain the knowledge and skills required for management. I firmly believe that administration is a science that transforms into an art on practical application and choosing the RCSI Masters Program was one of the best decisions I made”, states Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, Senior Administrative Officer at the Office of the Assistant Director general (Medical Affairs) at the Department of Health and Medical Services. “The College’s long standing reputation in quality education and its convenient location in Dubai were just two of the many reasons I opted for this. The program has provided me with the general concepts of management necessary to enhance my skills in areas such as leadership and strategic planning. The cohort of students allowed me to learn from others and share different views and ideas. The learning environment was superb and I am sure the whole team had a great learning experience!” Tel.: +9714 3616282 www.rcsidubai.com www.rcsi.ie
12/10/06
Training & Education
ECA_L1.QXP
8:41 PM
Page 1
Recipe for Success With tourism one of the region’s most buoyant sectors set to attract 68.5 million tourists by 2020, global hotel groups are homing in on Dubai, the Middle East’s undisputed tourism hub. Celebrating its fifth birthday, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management is pivotal in this growth.
338
Best of Dubai
ECA_L1.QXP
12/12/06
5:48 PM
Page 2
Ron Hilvert, Managing Director, Emirates Academy of Hospitality
Its commitment to quality training means that since opening its doors to international students in 2001, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management has earned a reputation for being one of the leading hospitality management schools worldwide. With additional campus space accommodating a further intake of 85 students that joined in October 2006, the student population now exceeds 250. Gerald Lawless, CEO of Jumeirah Group said: “The rapid growth of The Emirates Academy is testimony to the quality of the faculty and the various degree programmes on offer as well as its mature, professional and truly international student body.” With 383 hotels and hotel apartments, Dubai’s rapidly expanding portfolio of hotels relies on excellent human resources in order to remain sustainable. The Academy, part of the Jumeirah Group is the first to focus on tourism and hospitality at university level in the Middle East. Underscoring quality education and innovation - this is where the stylish state-of-the-art Academy, close to the Group’s awe-inspiring Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, fits in as Dubai’s tourism industry matures and a more skilled workforce is required. Manic hotel development notwithstanding, it’s also thanks to the government’s relentless promotion of the Emirate as a multi-facetted lifestyle and tourism destination to suit diverse segments that ensures the groundbreaking occupancy rates that hotels currently enjoy. With a current 400 nationals working in the hospitality sector in Dubai overall, this number will increase to 600 by end 2006, as Emiratisation steps up. In this regard, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management takes its role of participating in this national initiative – a core objective for today and tomorrow – very seriously. Growing from within notwithstanding, in order to stay on the gastronomic cutting edge, top-class global chefs such as Ken
Best of Dubai
339
Hom, Gary Rhodes and Michel Roux join forces to regularly impart their culinary expertise to students whilst bolstering the institute’s profile too. Ultimately, as a unique academy of excellence, this 16-strong faculty plays its part in developing the talent needed for the 4,590,000 jobs to be filled in the Middle East in this sector by 2007. With valuable student exchange programmes the order of the day, bachelor’s degree hospitality students have the opportunity to spend a year at the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, providing a truly international and world class educational experience. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai is the Academy’s patron, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the UAE licenses and accredits the Academy and its degree courses. Aside from accredited undergraduate degrees in international hospitality and tourism management, the institute offers a series of Professional Development Programmes for senior industry managers and executives. Here, global hospitality and food industry market leaders conduct senior management development courses to keep abreast of latest developments in research and management. Clearly, its mission to become one of the world’s leading tourism and hospitality management schools, providing university level education and professional development for the travel, tourism and hospitality industries is not impossible. On the contrary, with a renowned international faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive facilities and strong support from a leading hospitality group, the Academy is making the grade as a specialist management school capable of keeping pace with the region’s growth in this exciting sector that moves in fastforward mode. Tel.: + 9714 315 5555 www.emiratesacademy.edu
12/28/2006
Training & Education
Right Selection.qxp
5:52 PM
Page 1
Family Affair Through hard graft, a little luck and lots of inspiration, Ram and Gautam Ganglani have transformed Right Selection into a premier training and motivational enterprise.
How do you source the speakers and what criteria do you apply in selection? How many speakers and events do you hope to host in the future? “We keep a close eye on the bestselling business management books. If any of those topics are relevant to this market, we check if the authors are professional speakers and trainers, and keen to travel here. We choose the best expert or guru on a particular topic. Leading up to February 2007, we have a variety of seminars lined-up. We usually host at least one seminar every month.” Scenes from various training seminars
Ram and Gautam Gangalani
Our goal is simple... to help you reach yours
Father and son duo air their views… How long has Right Selection been in operation and how has the business changed over the years? “When Right Selection was launched in 1993, the distribution of business management books, video training programmes and motivational audios was our core business. Over the years, we provided clients with cost-effective solutions to their training needs. Client demand led us to link up with top-class international speakers, trainers and consultants like Ron Kaufman, Steve Lundin, Bob Urichuck, Omar Khan and Keith Usher specialising in soft management skills. Our team of experts is sourced worldwide and we have a few trainers stationed in the UAE. Although we began as a father and son operation, we are now expanding with alliances and partnerships as well as adding new members to our team.”
340
Best of Dubai
There are many Event Management companies that have set up in the last five years. How is Right Selection, as a close familyrun business, different from the others? “Right Selection’s success is based upon connecting with people. We operate as a small ‘father and son’ family business and always aim to give our clients a ‘boutique’ experience. This refers not to our size, but to our attention to detail and friendliness.” What about customer loyalty? Do you feel that is an issue? “Customer loyalty is vitally important to us. It is the intangible emotional benefits, the transparency and humility that will serve as the basis for long-term customer loyalty.” How do you cope with customer preferences? Customers’ needs and choices keep
Best of Dubai
341
shifting all the time? “That is true. New market segments are constantly evolving. We need to give our customers a unique emotional perspective and keep in close touch with them to understand their needs from time to time. It is a never ending exercise.” Does pricing pose a problem as this market is used to discounts and other concessions? “We accept pricing is an issue and tackle it by doing our best to offer real value to our customers. Our values set us apart.” How do your clients view your approach and your services? “Our goal is that Right Selection should always be their premier choice. We like to be looked at as reliable and flexible and treat our clients as if they are our business partners.” What is the mission and vision of Right Selection today? Vision To partner with our clients in helping them build a strong learning culture in their organizations by providing them with cost-effective tools and training solutions. Mission To provide our clients with a unique results-oriented learning experience with top-class trainers, speakers and educational tools. Tel.: +9714 352 7803 www.rightselection.com
12/28/2006
Training & Education
Right Selection.qxp
5:52 PM
Page 1
Family Affair Through hard graft, a little luck and lots of inspiration, Ram and Gautam Ganglani have transformed Right Selection into a premier training and motivational enterprise.
How do you source the speakers and what criteria do you apply in selection? How many speakers and events do you hope to host in the future? “We keep a close eye on the bestselling business management books. If any of those topics are relevant to this market, we check if the authors are professional speakers and trainers, and keen to travel here. We choose the best expert or guru on a particular topic. Leading up to February 2007, we have a variety of seminars lined-up. We usually host at least one seminar every month.” Scenes from various training seminars
Ram and Gautam Gangalani
Our goal is simple... to help you reach yours
Father and son duo air their views… How long has Right Selection been in operation and how has the business changed over the years? “When Right Selection was launched in 1993, the distribution of business management books, video training programmes and motivational audios was our core business. Over the years, we provided clients with cost-effective solutions to their training needs. Client demand led us to link up with top-class international speakers, trainers and consultants like Ron Kaufman, Steve Lundin, Bob Urichuck, Omar Khan and Keith Usher specialising in soft management skills. Our team of experts is sourced worldwide and we have a few trainers stationed in the UAE. Although we began as a father and son operation, we are now expanding with alliances and partnerships as well as adding new members to our team.”
340
Best of Dubai
There are many Event Management companies that have set up in the last five years. How is Right Selection, as a close familyrun business, different from the others? “Right Selection’s success is based upon connecting with people. We operate as a small ‘father and son’ family business and always aim to give our clients a ‘boutique’ experience. This refers not to our size, but to our attention to detail and friendliness.” What about customer loyalty? Do you feel that is an issue? “Customer loyalty is vitally important to us. It is the intangible emotional benefits, the transparency and humility that will serve as the basis for long-term customer loyalty.” How do you cope with customer preferences? Customers’ needs and choices keep
Best of Dubai
341
shifting all the time? “That is true. New market segments are constantly evolving. We need to give our customers a unique emotional perspective and keep in close touch with them to understand their needs from time to time. It is a never ending exercise.” Does pricing pose a problem as this market is used to discounts and other concessions? “We accept pricing is an issue and tackle it by doing our best to offer real value to our customers. Our values set us apart.” How do your clients view your approach and your services? “Our goal is that Right Selection should always be their premier choice. We like to be looked at as reliable and flexible and treat our clients as if they are our business partners.” What is the mission and vision of Right Selection today? Vision To partner with our clients in helping them build a strong learning culture in their organizations by providing them with cost-effective tools and training solutions. Mission To provide our clients with a unique results-oriented learning experience with top-class trainers, speakers and educational tools. Tel.: +9714 352 7803 www.rightselection.com
Training & Education
Crestcom_L1.qxp
12/15/06
4:41 AM
Page 1
The Bullet Proof ® Manager Given Dubai’s status as an international hub for business, competition between industries for leading managers is at a premium. With the competition so hot, getting the best leaders is paramount. Continuous training is essential for keeping abreast with the rapidly changing conditions in Dubai.
342
Best of Dubai
Crestcom_L1.qxp
12/15/06
4:57 AM
Page 2
Vincent Bass, CEO
Best of Dubai
343
With management proficiency at the core of business growth, developing a leadership team that surpasses all others is now simpler thanks to the entry of Crestcom International into the local market. A global training company actively involved in over 50 countries and 175 cities worldwide, Crestcom® brings leadership innovations and solutions that are second-to-none. The Authorized Licensee in the UAE for Crestcom International Ltd is Vincent Bass F.Z.E., a company owned and operated by CEO Vincent Bass himself. Since beginning operations last year, his growing client base taking advantage of Crestcom’s experience and expertise in management training has grown at a remarkable rate. “The response from small, medium and large companies to the unique model of training has been overwhelming. Companies find that the blended learning approach combining live local facilitation with video and written material by world-class trainers has a positive impact in their companies on all levels”, he explains. “To top it off, the training sessions are “dynamic, interactive, fun, and, most importantly, relevant”. By undertaking the Crestcom® programme, participants are rapidly upgraded from mere manager to a ‘Bullet Proof® Manager’ through a unique combination of live and video instruction. The Bullet Proof® Manager course emphasizes involvement, participation and teamwork, representing a departure from traditional training methodology. “Perhaps the most impressive notion about the training is that it works with all sizes of companies, departments and groups, from major multi-national giants to small, local firms”, Bass says. Participants in this trademarked training programme attend monthly sessions for concentrated instruction in pivotal management areas as leadership, motivating people, serving customers and leading change. Each session begins with a 30-minute video featuring a leading authority on a specific management skill. The video is followed by approximately 90 minutes of situational studies and group and individual exercises designed to ensure the participants' grasp of the material. “Participants also have the opportunity to exchange ideas with managers from other companies and groups - managers who come from different backgrounds and who have
different experiences are essential to the overall success”, he explains. The Bullet Proof® Manager is also structured to allow clients to dramatically increase the value and impact of their training investment long after the training is over. After attending a monthly Bullet Proof® Manager session and learning the material personally, participants can then return to their department and use the video and written resources to conduct the same training for others. “This benefit allows clients to drive key techniques and messages throughout their firm, to help participating managers apply the skills they learn and to maximize training investment value”, Bass adds. In addition, Bullet Proof® Manager training includes a comprehensive internet support site, featuring streaming video, assessments, scripts, slides, articles and follow-up exercises designed to help participants reinforce and continue their learning in the different Bullet Proof® Manager skill areas. A market leader that produces market leaders too, Crestcom® has ensured - through their unique training course - that Dubai maintains its position of dominance as a business hub that that continues to attract and develop management staff of the highest calibre. Tel.: +9714 311 6587 www.crestcomtraining.com
12/12/06
5:54 PM
Training & Education
TIM_L1.QXP
Page 1
Better teams. Better Business VERWEYEN CONSULTING and True Integrated Marketing have formed an alliance to improve the performance of businesses across many sectors including Automotive, FMCG, Consumer Electronics, Banking, Insurance, Medical, Hotels, Industrials and Publishing.
Alexander Verweyen
Arndt Schmidtmayer Michel Walters Headquartered in Europe, Alexander Verweyen and Arndt Schmidtmayer saw the potential for their business in the Middle East. Arndt who worked from 2001 until 2004 in Sales & Marketing for DaimlerChrysler Middle East set to work on developing the market for VERWEYEN CONSULTING services. Although he has now returned to Munich, continuity is at hand by way of a partnership with True Integrated Marketing assisted by continuous visits by Alexander Verweyen and Arndt Schmidtmayer to help drive the business forward in the Middle East. True Integrated Marketing is located in Media City. The operation is run by Michael Walters who has extensive international experience of developing marketing strategies, marketing execution and Customer Relationship Management. Sample clients for VERWEYEN CONSULTING and True Integrated Marketing include: Mercedes-Benz Middle East, Deutsche Bank, American Express, Siemens Mobile, Canon Middle East, Porsche, UBS, Bang & Olufsen, Panasonic Middle East and SAP. 'There is enormous attraction and interest in the Middle East', says Alexander Verweyen. Dubai is marketing itself successfully on the international stage and everyone is
aware of the ambitious construction projects aimed at attracting ever more visitors. 'Increased investment will therefore be required to improve sales and service capabilities, to enable businesses and brands to truly deliver a first class customer experience', explains Michael, 'we have to help clients raise their own performance to the best international standards'. The training solutions provided by VERWEYEN/True are based on critical business needs such as: Systematic sales dialogue, value based selling, premium and emotional selling, price negotiation/ price stability and many others that transform business performance. In order to ensure success, the programmes contain an ongoing coaching element to ensure that the new skills and tools learned eventually become embedded in the users' everyday habits. A project is only successful if know-how is transferred into do-how and if we have measurably improved the sales and service performance of our participants and clients', states Arndt Schmidtmayer. Tel.: +9714 367 1733 www.vc-me.com www.trueim.com
344
Best of Dubai
TIM_L1.QXP
12/10/06
9:58 PM
Page 2
Green to go
™
The Traffic-Light-Tool.com (TLT™) has been developed in response to client needs. TLT can be used either internally to assess team or managerial performance or externally to tap into what customers really think about sales, service or outlet performance including mystery shopping - all areas of growing importance.
Anthony Rischard, Christel Whelan, Michel Walters & Arndt Schmidtmayer “Major improvements in the production area have been achieved through the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPI), but in the area of sales, marketing and customer service there is still a huge need to measure professionally and improve according to the results”, states Arndt Schmidtmayer, founder and Managing Director of Traffic-Light-Tool.com. Traffic-Light-Tool.com is the most intuitive, easy-to-use performance measurement tool available. It facilitates rapid deployment and the output provides a clear, concise and prioritized assessment of the critical areas that require immediate attention. Using the universally recognizable codes of red (meaning stop, do something urgently), yellow (things are OK but need to be improved in the medium term), and green (running smoothly, no improvement needed for the time being). TLT avoids the dangers of complex research evaluations that might result in a 6.5 or 7.3 points based outcome. “TLT enables companies to speedily implement relevant improvements, which can be easily re-measured ensuring excellent and rapid ROI”, says Michael Walters, Sales Director for the Middle East. “TLT has helped us to repeatedly benchmark our yearly mystery shopping and makes the results comparable”, agrees the responsible project manager of a leading FMCG retailer. TLT can be utilized globally, regionally and locally by companies large and small in areas of sales, marketing, website, dealership assessment, mystery shopping, CRM, HR and many more performance areas. So far the tool has been adopted by Banks for measuring key account management, by automotive clients to establish employees training needs, by FMCG companies for mystery shopping, by a Gas company to measure the leadership competencies of their managers and in one
Best of Dubai
345
instance to measure the success of a merger and acquisition. “Over time we will continue to technically improve this online and offline tool and with extended clients and usage, TLT will be able to provide real benchmarks of performance for various business sectors”, promises Anthony Rischard, Technology Director of the TLT team. In a nutshell, TLT helps businesses to set their traffic lights to green for growth! Tel.: +9714 367 1733 www.traffic-light-tool.com
"I want everyone in this country to benefit and to be of benefit at the same time". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 20 Setting Up in Dubai
Courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah
"I want everyone in this country to benefit and to be of benefit at the same time". Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai
CHAPTER 20 Setting Up in Dubai
Courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah
Setting Up in Dubai
Get Up & Go.qxp
1/2/2007
10:02 AM
Page 1
Get up and Go As one of the principal Gulf markets and commercial hub supreme, the emirate is an appealing and profitable place to do business. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, which lies on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the south-western corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is bounded to the East and south-east by the Sultanate of Oman, to the north-west by the Arabian Gulf and to the west and south-west by the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Well known and well regarded as the strategic, financial, commercial and transshipment hub of the Middle East, it is a major, business forum, trend setter and window on the world for the UAE as well as the region overall. ECONOMY In Dubai, where oil reserves are projected to last only another 10 years, this state has the most diversified economy of all the other emirates. The oil sector accounts for less than 7 percent of the Dubai's gross income, and therefore, Dubai has made significant progress in diversifying from hydrocarbons. In contrast, in Abu Dhabi, which holds most of the country's oil reserves, diversification has focused on downstream petrochemical activities. One of Dubai's most successful policies has been the creation of Free Zones, which aim to attract private investment by providing cheap, rents, modern facilities and exemptions from taxes and regulations. In addition to attracting foreign investment and expertise, these schemes have appealed to Gulf (GCC) nationals who face complicated immigration procedures in Europe and the US. Foreign companies operating outside the Free Zones face a more restrictive business environment. This is set to change with the enactment of the requirements of bilateral trade agreements, such as the UAE's membership to the WTO in 1996, which requires certain legislation to be implemented, such as a free trade agreement. Currently, company law states that outside of the Free Zones, foreign firms can own a maximum 49 percent of a local company. The government has indicated that it is planning to raise this limit to 70 percent. A further probable change is the sheer scale of the infrastructure challenge may necessitate some borrowing. Though Dubai does not have a direct borrowing programme, key agencies such as the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Water an Electricity Authority are expected to tap into the international markets as from next year. Another lasting reform came with Dubai's unveiling in mid-March of the longawaited Property Law, intended to strengthen confidence among investors in the emirate's real estate sector. The new law will allow non-GCC investors to invest in the market, while stipulating that both UAE and GCC investors and companies wholly owned by them or by public joint stock companies, have the right to freehold property and leasehold of up to 99 years in designated areas. The by-laws on the details of property ownership are yet to be made public. This novel property law has prompted a string of investments by foreigners and Gulf investors in Dubai property, however, investors suffering losses on the stock markets may have less cash to invest in property. The main aim of the property law will be to precipitate GCC investment in property, given that they will now have the necessary certainty over their ownership rights. The property law will further take some of the sting out of the overheated rental market in Dubai. Rental rises of up to 40 per cent last year were a major contributor to inflationary pressures and the opportunity to obtain freehold ownership rights will ensure a more benign demand/supply match. Moreover, it will encourage other emirates to develop their own property law. REAL ESTATE It has only been four years since the property market first opened up to foreigners seeking to buy property in Dubai. In 2002, only certain new developments were permitted for sale. This unleashed an insatiable demand that had been building as a result of a huge increase in expatriates immigrating to Dubai (population grew by 300 percent between 1990 and 2005). The introduction of specialised mortgage financing companies and mortgages issued according to Islamic banking principles has also spurred the property market. Under
Islamic mortgages, the bank buys the property and leases it back to the tenant, providing considerable security to both at a time when ownership rules are uncertain. Where conventional banks are not allowed to own property, property developers have pioneered mortgage financing, starting with the creation of Amlak, a financing company owned by leading developer Emaar Properties, in 2000. With interest rates low and the small stock market having a limited capacity, to say there has been a huge investment in property is an understatement. While official data does not exist, it is independently estimated that average house prices followed several years of strong growth with an increase of around 25 percent in 2004. The million-dollar question: is Dubai's real estate market just a bubble? Dubai , a relatively young real estate market, gives room for speculation on the future of its real estate market. Professionals can only look at some key economic indicators of Dubai's track record and combine it with some of its future projects to come to an educated opinion. The three economic indicators of GDP, tourism and population (see link) growth provide a clear message that Dubai's past 10 year performance has been outstanding relative to its neighbouring countries on a global level, which provides a relatively good foundation for the real estate sector. However, there are concerns about whether the local property market is overvalued. Nevertheless, over the next five years, considerable new housing stock is due to come onto the market which, combined with rising interest rates, may prompt a rectification in prices. In the case of such an event, not much of an impact would be made on the banking sector, as the central bank imposes limits on lending to individual sectors, such as real estate. Those leading property developers owned partly or entirely by the Dubai government would not incur too much damage either, as they are supplied with land and capital at a very low cost and pay relatively little for their expatriate workforce. This chart shows that other major cities such as New York and Singapore are trading at price multiples of three times Dubai, while cities like London and Hong Kong are trading at price multiples of six times Dubai. TOURISM The Dubai Tourism Sector is thriving. It is projected to grow from 5.4 million visitors in 2005 to 15 million by 2010. Europe continues to provide the largest source of arrivals, however, the origins of guests has changed slightly in the last few years with visitors from Arab countries on the increase due to the imposition of complex immigration procedures to the US and the EU since 9/11. The tourism sector from Asia has also grown rapidly, largely due to the expansion of routes served by Emirates Airlines, which works closely with the tourism authorities. Rapid expansion in the development of residential, commercial and hotel property has allowed the tourist sector to prosper. INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES For international companies seeking to establish business in Dubai, there are a great number of options and indeed a great number of benefits in having a physical presence within the region. The economy enjoys a competitive combination of cost, market and environmental advantages that create an ideal and attractive investment climate. Indeed Dubai has been ranked as the Arabian Gulf's leading multi-purpose business centre and regional hub and even more remarkably, it has been placed at the forefront of the globe's dynamic and emerging market economies.
Why Dubai is an ideal place for setting up a business? Dubai, is situated at the crossroads of the world's busiest trading routes, it is a city that ranks as the commercial, tourist and real estate heart of the Gulf region. It is now a modern, booming metropolis with a strong infrastructure, sophisticated telecommunications and highly developed
348
Best of Dubai
transport facilities. Dubai's strategic geographical location gives businesses access to a market of over one billion people, including other Arab countries, Iran, the Asian sub-continent and parts of Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The emirate has established liberal commercial regulations with strong government support for business. Dubai is a key centre in the global transport and distribution system, particularly when you consider that the Dubai Ports Authority, combining Port Rashid (35 berths) and Jebel Ali Port (67 berths), ranks among the world's top ten in terms of berths and top twenty in terms of container throughput. Businesses moving to Dubai are also tempted with a number of incentives that enhance commercial opportunities, these include: - No personal withholding of taxes on income or capital, corporate tax limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies. - No foreign exchange controls and a stable, freely convertible currency. - A world-class services sector - major international hotels, banks, accountancy and legal firms, advertising agencies, consultants etc. - High quality office and residential accommodation. - Major regional conference and exhibition venues. - Time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe, with efficient local and global telecommunications. - Cosmopolitan lifestyle and tolerant environment. Taxation There is no personal taxation within the UAE. In relation to direct taxation, there are decrees covering corporate tax, but enforcement has been limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies only. There is a possibility that VAT may be imposed in future at the insistence of the IMF. Direct Trade International companies wishing to trade directly with the UAE by supplying goods and services from abroad should appoint a commercial agent who is already established in the market. The agent must be a UAE national, or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals. The foreign principal and the agent in the UAE are required to enter into a commercial agency agreement specifying the products and the territories to be covered by the contract. They should also comply with the relevant provisions of the Federal Commercial Agency Law and the procedures and conditions prescribed therein. It should be noted that a commercial agent cannot carry out activities in the UAE unless its name is entered in the Commercial Agency Register maintained at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Customs Duties GCC countries have recently agreed to implement the Unified Customs Law and Single Customs Tariff. The customs union is based on the principle of a single entry point, upon which customs duty on imported goods would be collected. This will make operations very smooth and no double duties will have to be paid when moving goods from one GCC country to another GCC country, nor will they have to customs clear their goods at every point of entry into another GCC country. From January 1, 2003, in accordance with single customs tariff agreed by GCC countries, the customs duty, at the rate of 5 per cent of the FIF value of the goods, is charged on all the goods and commodities originating from sources outside GCC countries on the basis of its delivery at the UAE port of destination. However, additional tariff rates are applicable on import of tobacco products which are subject to duty at the rate of 100 per cent and alcoholic beverages which are subject to duty at the rate of 50 per cent. Goods listed for duty exemption, as per the unified customs tariff agreed by the GCC countries, are exempted from customs duty. Exemption of customs duty by virtue of the Unified Customs Law also applies to imports of military and internal security forces; personal effects
Best of Dubai
349
Setting Up in Dubai
Get Up & Go.qxp
1/2/2007
10:02 AM
Page 1
Get up and Go As one of the principal Gulf markets and commercial hub supreme, the emirate is an appealing and profitable place to do business. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, which lies on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the south-western corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is bounded to the East and south-east by the Sultanate of Oman, to the north-west by the Arabian Gulf and to the west and south-west by the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Well known and well regarded as the strategic, financial, commercial and transshipment hub of the Middle East, it is a major, business forum, trend setter and window on the world for the UAE as well as the region overall. ECONOMY In Dubai, where oil reserves are projected to last only another 10 years, this state has the most diversified economy of all the other emirates. The oil sector accounts for less than 7 percent of the Dubai's gross income, and therefore, Dubai has made significant progress in diversifying from hydrocarbons. In contrast, in Abu Dhabi, which holds most of the country's oil reserves, diversification has focused on downstream petrochemical activities. One of Dubai's most successful policies has been the creation of Free Zones, which aim to attract private investment by providing cheap, rents, modern facilities and exemptions from taxes and regulations. In addition to attracting foreign investment and expertise, these schemes have appealed to Gulf (GCC) nationals who face complicated immigration procedures in Europe and the US. Foreign companies operating outside the Free Zones face a more restrictive business environment. This is set to change with the enactment of the requirements of bilateral trade agreements, such as the UAE's membership to the WTO in 1996, which requires certain legislation to be implemented, such as a free trade agreement. Currently, company law states that outside of the Free Zones, foreign firms can own a maximum 49 percent of a local company. The government has indicated that it is planning to raise this limit to 70 percent. A further probable change is the sheer scale of the infrastructure challenge may necessitate some borrowing. Though Dubai does not have a direct borrowing programme, key agencies such as the Dubai Metro and the Dubai Water an Electricity Authority are expected to tap into the international markets as from next year. Another lasting reform came with Dubai's unveiling in mid-March of the longawaited Property Law, intended to strengthen confidence among investors in the emirate's real estate sector. The new law will allow non-GCC investors to invest in the market, while stipulating that both UAE and GCC investors and companies wholly owned by them or by public joint stock companies, have the right to freehold property and leasehold of up to 99 years in designated areas. The by-laws on the details of property ownership are yet to be made public. This novel property law has prompted a string of investments by foreigners and Gulf investors in Dubai property, however, investors suffering losses on the stock markets may have less cash to invest in property. The main aim of the property law will be to precipitate GCC investment in property, given that they will now have the necessary certainty over their ownership rights. The property law will further take some of the sting out of the overheated rental market in Dubai. Rental rises of up to 40 per cent last year were a major contributor to inflationary pressures and the opportunity to obtain freehold ownership rights will ensure a more benign demand/supply match. Moreover, it will encourage other emirates to develop their own property law. REAL ESTATE It has only been four years since the property market first opened up to foreigners seeking to buy property in Dubai. In 2002, only certain new developments were permitted for sale. This unleashed an insatiable demand that had been building as a result of a huge increase in expatriates immigrating to Dubai (population grew by 300 percent between 1990 and 2005). The introduction of specialised mortgage financing companies and mortgages issued according to Islamic banking principles has also spurred the property market. Under
Islamic mortgages, the bank buys the property and leases it back to the tenant, providing considerable security to both at a time when ownership rules are uncertain. Where conventional banks are not allowed to own property, property developers have pioneered mortgage financing, starting with the creation of Amlak, a financing company owned by leading developer Emaar Properties, in 2000. With interest rates low and the small stock market having a limited capacity, to say there has been a huge investment in property is an understatement. While official data does not exist, it is independently estimated that average house prices followed several years of strong growth with an increase of around 25 percent in 2004. The million-dollar question: is Dubai's real estate market just a bubble? Dubai , a relatively young real estate market, gives room for speculation on the future of its real estate market. Professionals can only look at some key economic indicators of Dubai's track record and combine it with some of its future projects to come to an educated opinion. The three economic indicators of GDP, tourism and population (see link) growth provide a clear message that Dubai's past 10 year performance has been outstanding relative to its neighbouring countries on a global level, which provides a relatively good foundation for the real estate sector. However, there are concerns about whether the local property market is overvalued. Nevertheless, over the next five years, considerable new housing stock is due to come onto the market which, combined with rising interest rates, may prompt a rectification in prices. In the case of such an event, not much of an impact would be made on the banking sector, as the central bank imposes limits on lending to individual sectors, such as real estate. Those leading property developers owned partly or entirely by the Dubai government would not incur too much damage either, as they are supplied with land and capital at a very low cost and pay relatively little for their expatriate workforce. This chart shows that other major cities such as New York and Singapore are trading at price multiples of three times Dubai, while cities like London and Hong Kong are trading at price multiples of six times Dubai. TOURISM The Dubai Tourism Sector is thriving. It is projected to grow from 5.4 million visitors in 2005 to 15 million by 2010. Europe continues to provide the largest source of arrivals, however, the origins of guests has changed slightly in the last few years with visitors from Arab countries on the increase due to the imposition of complex immigration procedures to the US and the EU since 9/11. The tourism sector from Asia has also grown rapidly, largely due to the expansion of routes served by Emirates Airlines, which works closely with the tourism authorities. Rapid expansion in the development of residential, commercial and hotel property has allowed the tourist sector to prosper. INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES For international companies seeking to establish business in Dubai, there are a great number of options and indeed a great number of benefits in having a physical presence within the region. The economy enjoys a competitive combination of cost, market and environmental advantages that create an ideal and attractive investment climate. Indeed Dubai has been ranked as the Arabian Gulf's leading multi-purpose business centre and regional hub and even more remarkably, it has been placed at the forefront of the globe's dynamic and emerging market economies.
Why Dubai is an ideal place for setting up a business? Dubai, is situated at the crossroads of the world's busiest trading routes, it is a city that ranks as the commercial, tourist and real estate heart of the Gulf region. It is now a modern, booming metropolis with a strong infrastructure, sophisticated telecommunications and highly developed
348
Best of Dubai
transport facilities. Dubai's strategic geographical location gives businesses access to a market of over one billion people, including other Arab countries, Iran, the Asian sub-continent and parts of Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The emirate has established liberal commercial regulations with strong government support for business. Dubai is a key centre in the global transport and distribution system, particularly when you consider that the Dubai Ports Authority, combining Port Rashid (35 berths) and Jebel Ali Port (67 berths), ranks among the world's top ten in terms of berths and top twenty in terms of container throughput. Businesses moving to Dubai are also tempted with a number of incentives that enhance commercial opportunities, these include: - No personal withholding of taxes on income or capital, corporate tax limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies. - No foreign exchange controls and a stable, freely convertible currency. - A world-class services sector - major international hotels, banks, accountancy and legal firms, advertising agencies, consultants etc. - High quality office and residential accommodation. - Major regional conference and exhibition venues. - Time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe, with efficient local and global telecommunications. - Cosmopolitan lifestyle and tolerant environment. Taxation There is no personal taxation within the UAE. In relation to direct taxation, there are decrees covering corporate tax, but enforcement has been limited to foreign banks and foreign oil companies only. There is a possibility that VAT may be imposed in future at the insistence of the IMF. Direct Trade International companies wishing to trade directly with the UAE by supplying goods and services from abroad should appoint a commercial agent who is already established in the market. The agent must be a UAE national, or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals. The foreign principal and the agent in the UAE are required to enter into a commercial agency agreement specifying the products and the territories to be covered by the contract. They should also comply with the relevant provisions of the Federal Commercial Agency Law and the procedures and conditions prescribed therein. It should be noted that a commercial agent cannot carry out activities in the UAE unless its name is entered in the Commercial Agency Register maintained at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Customs Duties GCC countries have recently agreed to implement the Unified Customs Law and Single Customs Tariff. The customs union is based on the principle of a single entry point, upon which customs duty on imported goods would be collected. This will make operations very smooth and no double duties will have to be paid when moving goods from one GCC country to another GCC country, nor will they have to customs clear their goods at every point of entry into another GCC country. From January 1, 2003, in accordance with single customs tariff agreed by GCC countries, the customs duty, at the rate of 5 per cent of the FIF value of the goods, is charged on all the goods and commodities originating from sources outside GCC countries on the basis of its delivery at the UAE port of destination. However, additional tariff rates are applicable on import of tobacco products which are subject to duty at the rate of 100 per cent and alcoholic beverages which are subject to duty at the rate of 50 per cent. Goods listed for duty exemption, as per the unified customs tariff agreed by the GCC countries, are exempted from customs duty. Exemption of customs duty by virtue of the Unified Customs Law also applies to imports of military and internal security forces; personal effects
Best of Dubai
349
and used household items; accompanied passenger baggage and gifts; charitable societies' requirements and returned goods. Industrial inputs required directly for manufacturing process, imported by industrial firms and approved by the concerned authority, are exempt from customs duty as agreed by the GCC Financial and Economic Co-operation Committee. ESTABLISHMENT OF BUSINESSES IN DUBAI In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates, as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment that is well-ordered without being unduly restrictive. Therefore, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region. For many companies, having a presence in Dubai can provide considerable business advantages. For instance, businessmen in the region prefer to deal with someone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more important in doing business in the Arab world than they are in Western Europe or America. In addition, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to be unpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information. One of the most important aspects of doing business in the UAE is the legal structure. Dubai and the other emirates have always followed the same general system, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a local sponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through a private limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler's decree. Since 1984, further measures have been introduced to bind companies by law applicable throughout the whole of the Emirates. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the 'Commercial Companies Law'- and its by-laws have been issued. In broad terms, the provisions of the Law are as follows: With regard to ownership requirements, a minimum of 51 per cent participation by UAE National(s) is mandatory for all UAE established companies except: - Companies set-up in the various Free Zones - Foreign companies registering branches or representative offices in the UAE - Professional/Civil Companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted subject to their complying with the relevant local laws and regulations.
down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies. The seven categories of business organisation defined by the law are: 1. General partnership company 2. Partnership-en-commendite 3. Joint venture company 4. Public shareholding company 5. Private shareholding company 6. Limited liability company 7. Share partnership company Dubai Free Trade Zones The Dubai Free Trade Zones have completely transformed and helped bring about tremendous change to the industrial arena of this developing nation. The Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first to start off this trend, started in Dubai on 9th February, 1985. Ever since this novel concept was introduced to the Middle East, the industrial and commercial centre has not looked back. Twenty years later, the Free Zone notion is flourishing in the UAE. Its rapid growth has also provided a powerful economic inspiration to the other Emirates, which have set up their own Free Zones to attract investment. The number of Free Zones has increased and thus their impact on the UAE economy has deepened. Now, the Free Zones are home to more that 4500 companies and this number increases day by day.
CAREERS UAE
12 March 2007 14 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website: www.careersuae.aewww.dwtc.com
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
13 March 2007 17 March 2007
Dubai International Marine Club (Mina Seyahi)
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.boatshowdubai.com www.dwtc.com
MOTEXHA 2007
19 March 2007 21 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 Website: www.motexhaonline.com
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR
25 March 2007 28 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.dihf.ae www.dwtc.com
THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI 2007
10 April 2007 13 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.thebrideshow.com
AMBIENTE GIFT & HOMEWARE 2007
10 April 2007 13 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.ambientearabia.com
WORLD TOBACCO MIDDLE EAST
23 April 2007 24 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
dmg world media Dubai Ltd Tel: +971 4 331 9688 www.dmgdubai.com
MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS
12 May 2007 14 May 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Messe Frankfurt Dubai Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102 www.epocmessefrankfurt.com
PALME PRO-AUDIO & LIGHT MIDDLE EAST 2007
20 May 2007 22 May 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.palmeonline.com
AIRPORT SHOW
4 June 2007 6 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
5June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
HOTEL SHOW
5June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
INRETAIL
5 June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
New Free Zones in Dubai include
Established Dubai Free Zones 1. 2. 3. 4.
Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone 5. Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai 6. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Federal Law also sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays
-
Dubai Carpet Free Zone Dubai Auto Parts City Free Zone Heavy Equipment and Trucks Free Zone Dubai Flower Centre Free Zone Dubai HealthCare City Free Zone Dubai Textile Village Free Zone International Media Production Free Zone International Arbitration Centre Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Dubai Aid City Free Zone
DUBAI'S UP AND COMING EXHIBITIONS* EXHIBITION
DATE
VENUE
ORGANISER
PAPER ARABIA 2007
9 Sept 2007 12 Sept 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
INTERSEC MIDDLE EAST
6 Jan 2007 8 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Messe Frankfurt Dubai. Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102 www.epocmessefrankfurt.com
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
TRANSEXPO
23 Oct 2007 25 Oct 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
9 Jan 2007 11 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.gitexindia2006.com
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
14 Nov 2007 18 Nov 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
ARAB INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC & RUBBER INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW (ARABPLAST)
13 Jan 2007 16 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention
Al Fajer Information & Services and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
Dubai World Trade Centre Exhibitions Tel: 971 4 332 1000 www.dwtc.com
GULF TRAFFIC 2007
9 Dec 2007 11 Dec 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.gulftraffic.com
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & MACHINE TOOLS (TEKNO)
13 Jan 2007 16 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre UAE
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES EXPO & CONFERENCE
29 Jan 2007 1 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
ARAB HEALTH 2007
29 Jan 2007 1 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.arabhealthonline.com
MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2007
11 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions 14 Feb 2007 Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.middleeastelectricity.com
LIGHTING MIDDLE EAST
11 Feb 2007 14 Febr 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel. +971 4 336 5161 website: www.iirme.com
GULFOOD
19 Feb 2007 22 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.gulfood.com
ASIAN LIFESTYLE DUBAI 2007
28 Feb 2007 2 March 2007
Airport Expo Dubai
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.asianlifestyledubai.com
VISION -X
6 March 2007 8 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.vision-x.ae www.dwtc.com
GITEX INDIA
CABSAT
6 March 2007 8 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.cabsat.ae www.dwtc.com
350
Best of Dubai
GOVERNMENT The UAE is a Federal Sovereign State which consists of seven emirates. The highest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council of the UAE consisting of the Rulers of the seven emirates. This branch is responsible for general policy matters for communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and for ratifying federal laws. Both the President and Vice President are elected by the Supreme council from its members, the President currently being His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Vice President is H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Ruler of Dubai. The Federal Government also includes a Council of Ministers (Cabinet). Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is also Prime Minister. The Cabinet has executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is responsible to the
Supreme Council. In addition, a Federal National Council is included in the Federal Government which consists of 40 representatives, appointed on two year terms by the individual emirates. This is a legislative council, possessing executive authority to discuss and draft all Federal laws and then refer them to the Supreme Council for enactment. The council members are able to monitor and debate policy but have no power of veto. The Federal Government also includes an independent judiciary presided over by the Federal Supreme Court. In addition to the Federal Government structure, each emirate has its own local government arrangement which differ in size and scope.
CABINET LIST Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Finance and Industry Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs Minister of Defence Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Culture Minister of Education Minister of Economy and Planning
Best of Dubai
351
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-Nahyan Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed-al Nahyan Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Maktoum Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Owais Dr Hanif Hassan Ali Sheikha Lubna al-Qassimi
Minister of State for Supreme Council Affairs Minister of Interior Minister of Health Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Minister of Communications Minister of Public Works and Housing Minister of Energy Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan al-Qassimi Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan Humaid Mohammed Obeid al-Qattami Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi Saeed Mohammed al-Ragabani Sultan bin Said-al Mansouri Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan Mohamed bin Dhaen al-Hamli Mohammed Nukhaira al-Zahiri Ali bin Abdullah al-Kaabi
and used household items; accompanied passenger baggage and gifts; charitable societies' requirements and returned goods. Industrial inputs required directly for manufacturing process, imported by industrial firms and approved by the concerned authority, are exempt from customs duty as agreed by the GCC Financial and Economic Co-operation Committee. ESTABLISHMENT OF BUSINESSES IN DUBAI In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates, as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment that is well-ordered without being unduly restrictive. Therefore, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region. For many companies, having a presence in Dubai can provide considerable business advantages. For instance, businessmen in the region prefer to deal with someone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more important in doing business in the Arab world than they are in Western Europe or America. In addition, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to be unpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information. One of the most important aspects of doing business in the UAE is the legal structure. Dubai and the other emirates have always followed the same general system, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a local sponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through a private limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler's decree. Since 1984, further measures have been introduced to bind companies by law applicable throughout the whole of the Emirates. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the 'Commercial Companies Law'- and its by-laws have been issued. In broad terms, the provisions of the Law are as follows: With regard to ownership requirements, a minimum of 51 per cent participation by UAE National(s) is mandatory for all UAE established companies except: - Companies set-up in the various Free Zones - Foreign companies registering branches or representative offices in the UAE - Professional/Civil Companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted subject to their complying with the relevant local laws and regulations.
down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies. The seven categories of business organisation defined by the law are: 1. General partnership company 2. Partnership-en-commendite 3. Joint venture company 4. Public shareholding company 5. Private shareholding company 6. Limited liability company 7. Share partnership company Dubai Free Trade Zones The Dubai Free Trade Zones have completely transformed and helped bring about tremendous change to the industrial arena of this developing nation. The Jebel Ali Free Zone, the first to start off this trend, started in Dubai on 9th February, 1985. Ever since this novel concept was introduced to the Middle East, the industrial and commercial centre has not looked back. Twenty years later, the Free Zone notion is flourishing in the UAE. Its rapid growth has also provided a powerful economic inspiration to the other Emirates, which have set up their own Free Zones to attract investment. The number of Free Zones has increased and thus their impact on the UAE economy has deepened. Now, the Free Zones are home to more that 4500 companies and this number increases day by day.
CAREERS UAE
12 March 2007 14 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website: www.careersuae.aewww.dwtc.com
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
13 March 2007 17 March 2007
Dubai International Marine Club (Mina Seyahi)
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.boatshowdubai.com www.dwtc.com
MOTEXHA 2007
19 March 2007 21 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 Website: www.motexhaonline.com
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR
25 March 2007 28 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.dihf.ae www.dwtc.com
THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI 2007
10 April 2007 13 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.thebrideshow.com
AMBIENTE GIFT & HOMEWARE 2007
10 April 2007 13 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.ambientearabia.com
WORLD TOBACCO MIDDLE EAST
23 April 2007 24 April 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
dmg world media Dubai Ltd Tel: +971 4 331 9688 www.dmgdubai.com
MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS
12 May 2007 14 May 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Messe Frankfurt Dubai Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102 www.epocmessefrankfurt.com
PALME PRO-AUDIO & LIGHT MIDDLE EAST 2007
20 May 2007 22 May 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.palmeonline.com
AIRPORT SHOW
4 June 2007 6 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
5June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
HOTEL SHOW
5June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
INRETAIL
5 June 2007 7 June 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Streamline Marketing Communications Tel: +971 4 332 9029 www. streamlineb2b.net
New Free Zones in Dubai include
Established Dubai Free Zones 1. 2. 3. 4.
Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Dubai Airport Free Zone Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone 5. Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai 6. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Federal Law also sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays
-
Dubai Carpet Free Zone Dubai Auto Parts City Free Zone Heavy Equipment and Trucks Free Zone Dubai Flower Centre Free Zone Dubai HealthCare City Free Zone Dubai Textile Village Free Zone International Media Production Free Zone International Arbitration Centre Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Dubai Aid City Free Zone
DUBAI'S UP AND COMING EXHIBITIONS* EXHIBITION
DATE
VENUE
ORGANISER
PAPER ARABIA 2007
9 Sept 2007 12 Sept 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
INTERSEC MIDDLE EAST
6 Jan 2007 8 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Messe Frankfurt Dubai. Tel: + 971 4 33 80 102 www.epocmessefrankfurt.com
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
TRANSEXPO
23 Oct 2007 25 Oct 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
9 Jan 2007 11 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.gitexindia2006.com
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
MIDDLE EAST INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
14 Nov 2007 18 Nov 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
ARAB INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC & RUBBER INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW (ARABPLAST)
13 Jan 2007 16 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention
Al Fajer Information & Services and Exhibition Centre Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
Dubai World Trade Centre Exhibitions Tel: 971 4 332 1000 www.dwtc.com
GULF TRAFFIC 2007
9 Dec 2007 11 Dec 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.gulftraffic.com
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & MACHINE TOOLS (TEKNO)
13 Jan 2007 16 Jan 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre UAE
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES EXPO & CONFERENCE
29 Jan 2007 1 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Al Fajer Information & Services Tel: +971 4 3377727 www.alfajer.net
ARAB HEALTH 2007
29 Jan 2007 1 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 www.arabhealthonline.com
MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY 2007
11 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions 14 Feb 2007 Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.middleeastelectricity.com
LIGHTING MIDDLE EAST
11 Feb 2007 14 Febr 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
I I R Exhibitions Tel. +971 4 336 5161 website: www.iirme.com
GULFOOD
19 Feb 2007 22 Feb 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 www.gulfood.com
ASIAN LIFESTYLE DUBAI 2007
28 Feb 2007 2 March 2007
Airport Expo Dubai
I I R Exhibitions Tel: +971-4-3365161 website: www.asianlifestyledubai.com
VISION -X
6 March 2007 8 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.vision-x.ae www.dwtc.com
GITEX INDIA
CABSAT
6 March 2007 8 March 2007
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Dubai World Trade Centre (LLC) Tel: +971 4 308 6043 website:www.cabsat.ae www.dwtc.com
350
Best of Dubai
GOVERNMENT The UAE is a Federal Sovereign State which consists of seven emirates. The highest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council of the UAE consisting of the Rulers of the seven emirates. This branch is responsible for general policy matters for communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and for ratifying federal laws. Both the President and Vice President are elected by the Supreme council from its members, the President currently being His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Vice President is H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Ruler of Dubai. The Federal Government also includes a Council of Ministers (Cabinet). Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is also Prime Minister. The Cabinet has executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is responsible to the
Supreme Council. In addition, a Federal National Council is included in the Federal Government which consists of 40 representatives, appointed on two year terms by the individual emirates. This is a legislative council, possessing executive authority to discuss and draft all Federal laws and then refer them to the Supreme Council for enactment. The council members are able to monitor and debate policy but have no power of veto. The Federal Government also includes an independent judiciary presided over by the Federal Supreme Court. In addition to the Federal Government structure, each emirate has its own local government arrangement which differ in size and scope.
CABINET LIST Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Finance and Industry Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs Minister of Defence Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Culture Minister of Education Minister of Economy and Planning
Best of Dubai
351
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al-Nahyan Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed-al Nahyan Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum Dr Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Maktoum Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Owais Dr Hanif Hassan Ali Sheikha Lubna al-Qassimi
Minister of State for Supreme Council Affairs Minister of Interior Minister of Health Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Minister of Communications Minister of Public Works and Housing Minister of Energy Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan al-Qassimi Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan Humaid Mohammed Obeid al-Qattami Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi Saeed Mohammed al-Ragabani Sultan bin Said-al Mansouri Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan Mohamed bin Dhaen al-Hamli Mohammed Nukhaira al-Zahiri Ali bin Abdullah al-Kaabi
Setting Up in Dubai
One Stop Business Centre One Stop means that we offer a ‘one-stop’ service to meet all your set-up and ongoing business requirements.
Nizar Zeidan Managing Director, One Stop Business Centre
What are the different services you offer and who are your clientele? “We have a wide range of clients from entrepreneurs to blue chip companies. No job is too big or too small.” Are you a substitute for an in-house PRO or can you work alongside them? “One Stop offers far more than an in-house PRO, however, we are able to provide the same service as in-house PRO with the added extras. We have a number of clients who use our services instead of having in-house PROs and of course we are able to work alongside in-house PROs where more experience is needed.” What is the most common obstacle you face in your business? “The most common obstacle is meeting tight deadlines and working with European clients who find the different week-ends a hurdle when they work to European timings. This is always resolved, once the client sees the quick turn around of work, and are always happy with the result.”
One Stop Business Service is a Dubai based company offering a wide range of professional services to new and established businesses both locally and internationally. We have fourteen years of experience advising and assisting corporations and individuals in setting up businesses anywhere in the UAE. Our main activities • General guidelines and advice in relation to setting up in the U.A.E. • Trade Licenses - For all types of set-ups and companies in all the Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm AI-Qaiwain, Ras AI Khaimah, Fujairah) • Formation and Registration of all types of companies and set-ups, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) • Visa Services - Residence visas. cancellations: transfers, renewals, etc. • PRO Services • Business Centre - Provision of temporary work premises and facilities for new set-ups in the UAE • Local Sponsorship Agreements • Personal Services and Assistance - Passport renewals, PO Box set-up and renewal, obtaining and renewal of various other permits and licenses and others One Stop Business Centre's managing director Nizar Zeidan explains the wide variety of services offered to entrepreneurs and businesses working to take root in Dubai. When did One Stop Dubai first open its doors and why did you decide to enter into such a business? “One Stop first opened its door in August 2004. I decided to enter into this business as I saw an area of the business market which was lacking. I had the necessary skills and contacts to make business solutions easy and accessible.”
352
Best of Dubai
What is your internal set-up like? Where are your staff from? “We have members of staff who come from variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.” How have, if at all, existing and new laws affected your business? “New laws can sometimes be difficult to work around, but as I have been in the region for almost 20 years, I can ensure that the business faces minimal interruption if a new law is implemented. I see new laws as positive thing for the region and I always ensure the laws are adhered to strictly.” What are your plans for expansion and growth? “One Stop is always expanding and will be offering more services over the next 12-18 months. We plan to recruit more members of staff to accommodate the growth.” Where do you think Dubai is headed in terms of simplifying the red-tape process? “With quality business solution companies like One Stop red-tape can always be overcome and simplified. It is only complicated to those that do not know the correct procedures and who do not have the right governing bodies to assist.”
Best of Dubai
353
What would you like to see done differently or to change? “Better awareness of the procedures and an understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the UAE will assist with making things simpler.” What are the core principles you believe in and adhere to when running a business in Dubai? “One Stop’s principles are; honesty, efficiency reliability, speed, approachability, commercial awareness and cost effectiveness.” What is different or unique about conducting business in Dubai when compared to your home country or internationally? “Naturally. different rules and regulations govern other countries and cities. Dubai is ever expanding and becoming more in line with other international cities. If you have an expert in any other country, as One Stop is here, then all hurdles can be overcome. I believed the same problems that are faced in Dubai are also faced elsewhere, its just a matter of knowing the procedures and people.” Do you believe our current systems facilitate the growth of business and investment or somewhat hinder them? “I believe the current system is improving vastly and in time people will be praising Dubai for its efficiency. The current expansion in Dubai can only be a positive thing and bears testament to the fact the system must working. Of course things can be improved, but Dubai is definitely headed in the right direction.” Who handled your paperwork when you set up One Stop Dubai? “Due to my contacts and knowledge of the requirements for business set-ups, I was able to do all my own paperwork when establishing One Stop.” Tel. +9714 343 1433 www.onestopdubai.com
Setting Up in Dubai
One Stop Business Centre One Stop means that we offer a ‘one-stop’ service to meet all your set-up and ongoing business requirements.
Nizar Zeidan Managing Director, One Stop Business Centre
What are the different services you offer and who are your clientele? “We have a wide range of clients from entrepreneurs to blue chip companies. No job is too big or too small.” Are you a substitute for an in-house PRO or can you work alongside them? “One Stop offers far more than an in-house PRO, however, we are able to provide the same service as in-house PRO with the added extras. We have a number of clients who use our services instead of having in-house PROs and of course we are able to work alongside in-house PROs where more experience is needed.” What is the most common obstacle you face in your business? “The most common obstacle is meeting tight deadlines and working with European clients who find the different week-ends a hurdle when they work to European timings. This is always resolved, once the client sees the quick turn around of work, and are always happy with the result.”
One Stop Business Service is a Dubai based company offering a wide range of professional services to new and established businesses both locally and internationally. We have fourteen years of experience advising and assisting corporations and individuals in setting up businesses anywhere in the UAE. Our main activities • General guidelines and advice in relation to setting up in the U.A.E. • Trade Licenses - For all types of set-ups and companies in all the Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm AI-Qaiwain, Ras AI Khaimah, Fujairah) • Formation and Registration of all types of companies and set-ups, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) • Visa Services - Residence visas. cancellations: transfers, renewals, etc. • PRO Services • Business Centre - Provision of temporary work premises and facilities for new set-ups in the UAE • Local Sponsorship Agreements • Personal Services and Assistance - Passport renewals, PO Box set-up and renewal, obtaining and renewal of various other permits and licenses and others One Stop Business Centre's managing director Nizar Zeidan explains the wide variety of services offered to entrepreneurs and businesses working to take root in Dubai. When did One Stop Dubai first open its doors and why did you decide to enter into such a business? “One Stop first opened its door in August 2004. I decided to enter into this business as I saw an area of the business market which was lacking. I had the necessary skills and contacts to make business solutions easy and accessible.”
352
Best of Dubai
What is your internal set-up like? Where are your staff from? “We have members of staff who come from variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.” How have, if at all, existing and new laws affected your business? “New laws can sometimes be difficult to work around, but as I have been in the region for almost 20 years, I can ensure that the business faces minimal interruption if a new law is implemented. I see new laws as positive thing for the region and I always ensure the laws are adhered to strictly.” What are your plans for expansion and growth? “One Stop is always expanding and will be offering more services over the next 12-18 months. We plan to recruit more members of staff to accommodate the growth.” Where do you think Dubai is headed in terms of simplifying the red-tape process? “With quality business solution companies like One Stop red-tape can always be overcome and simplified. It is only complicated to those that do not know the correct procedures and who do not have the right governing bodies to assist.”
Best of Dubai
353
What would you like to see done differently or to change? “Better awareness of the procedures and an understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the UAE will assist with making things simpler.” What are the core principles you believe in and adhere to when running a business in Dubai? “One Stop’s principles are; honesty, efficiency reliability, speed, approachability, commercial awareness and cost effectiveness.” What is different or unique about conducting business in Dubai when compared to your home country or internationally? “Naturally. different rules and regulations govern other countries and cities. Dubai is ever expanding and becoming more in line with other international cities. If you have an expert in any other country, as One Stop is here, then all hurdles can be overcome. I believed the same problems that are faced in Dubai are also faced elsewhere, its just a matter of knowing the procedures and people.” Do you believe our current systems facilitate the growth of business and investment or somewhat hinder them? “I believe the current system is improving vastly and in time people will be praising Dubai for its efficiency. The current expansion in Dubai can only be a positive thing and bears testament to the fact the system must working. Of course things can be improved, but Dubai is definitely headed in the right direction.” Who handled your paperwork when you set up One Stop Dubai? “Due to my contacts and knowledge of the requirements for business set-ups, I was able to do all my own paperwork when establishing One Stop.” Tel. +9714 343 1433 www.onestopdubai.com
Setting Up in Dubai
Al Essa.qxp
12/26/2006
9:24 AM
Page 1
Extraordinary Instant Matchers "I'm passionate about our business," laughs Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director for Al Essa Marketing. "I love to see people and businesses grow."
Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director
Anyone who has tried to set up in the frantic world of Business in Dubai knows the headache of running around from one department to another to get papers approved and documents attested. Even with the headways in efficiency that the Dubai government has made, knowing exactly what is needed and where to go is always made easier by someone in the know. Al Essa was established three years ago as a 'one-stop shop' for businesses setting up in Dubai, coordinating sponsorships, local partners, visas, business plans and other elements entrepreneurs need to thrive in Dubai's heady business environment. The recruitment side of the company took off in 2004 and surpassed expectations when they launched The Al Essa Network in February 2006. Michelle identified a need for a system that would add value and create ease of work within the HR industry. Al Essa Marketing is the first company in the Middle East to take online recruiting to the next level, by turning the traditional resume-based online recruiting system into a fully interactive instant job matching system that combines the sourcing and the processing of candidates into a unified management system, also incorporating personality profiling on the same platform. The Al Essa Network Recruitment solution reduces recruitment time and cost by over 60%, and delivers dramatically higher efficiency to the recruiting process. This improvement is achieved by intelligent matching between candidate profiles and preferences, and job requirements, and by enabling candidates and recruiters to communicate more efficiently. It enables recruiters to add more value to the process by spending most of their time evaluating fewer, but more qualified candidates, rather than reviewing hundreds of resumes of unqualified candidates. The Network, or 'the solution,' as Michelle calls it, is extremely flexible and can be customized to an extraordinary degree. It is not simply a website, but an adaptable platform with many uses for HR Managers, recruiters and companies. Smaller companies can opt simply to use fewer of the portal's features for a lesser fee. Potentially, each stage of the recruitment process can be automated so that Al Essa would in effect become a company's Human Resources arm. The benefits of such personalized attention are obvious and go beyond simply finding resumes. Al Essa is very excited about being the first Dubai firm to adopt the newest innovation in personality profiling on The Al Essa Network. Although similar technologies have been used extensively in the field of human resources and recruitment for many years, the Wealth Dynamics technology is the first to match personality profiles with clients' job requirements.
354
Best of Dubai
“With Emiratisation being the order of the day in this part of the world, our focused recruiting process solutions in this area are gaining ground everyday.” - Hamad Al Essa
Best of Dubai
355
The Wealth Dynamics entrepreneur profiling system was created by Roger Hamilton, Chairman and Founder of XL Results Foundation in Singapore in 2000. Its creation required years of studying the I Ching, Jungian personality theories, and the activities and strategies of top entrepreneurs from around the globe. This investigation suggested that by identifying a person's personality type, it is possible to predict the investment and business strategies that they are most likely to experience success with. The general premise of the approach is that when people do what comes most naturally to them, they are most likely to find their "flow", have fun, and achieve sustainable success. Six years on, the system has been discovered by almost 50,000 people throughout Asia. Michelle explains that instead of simply matching candidates and employers in an innovative algorithmic process; the qualified candidate will possess the right qualities and wealth profiling to achieve ultimate success in their position. Al Essa's win-win approach to dealing with their clients and candidates, ensures that both sides are happy, enabling a relationship that continues past the initial first few months. The Al Essa Network's database houses CVs from across the globe. Michelle has established firm ties with many professional groups worldwide, enabling her to find candidates who are willing to move to the Gulf region and establish themselves in a new environment. The Network operates to support their client, by providing career sites on the Al Essa Network which jobseekers can visit to learn more about the company and the opportunities it offers. "Our approach is to collaborate and not compete", Michelle says with a smile. "Collaborations between
different agencies and across different forms of media, we believe, allow for greater accomplishments and a higher rate of success across the board." She is confident that value is something that is increasingly sought after as standards continue to rise in Dubai, and that the work her company is doing to change the way companies look at staffing will pay off. This is part of the 'Givers Gain' philosophy that Michelle feels underpins Al Essa's success. To carry that ethos further, the company joined the XL Results Foundation; an Asia-based entrepreneurial networking foundation that promotes world wide wealth empowering social enterprise and global change by increasing their collective ability to create and contribute wealth. XL"stands for "Extraordinary Lives" - a life in which they maximize their power to create and contribute. Social Entrepreneurs contribute at least 10 per cent of their earnings to charitable causes. "Our success in the last year has given us the flexibility to go beyond our usual responsibilities", says Michelle. "We're looking forward to incorporating Wealth Dynamics into all organizations in the Middle East, and change the way organizations recruit, so that they too can become Extraordinary!. "We firmly stand and support the quote that "Wealth isn't how much money you have, but wealth is what you are left with when you loose everything" - Roger Hamilton Al Essa is already doing just that, changing the culture of Human Resources. They take the "U" and "I" in recruitment and form a relationship that works. Tel.: +9714 334 9432 Fax.: +97108 448 0583
Setting Up in Dubai
Al Essa.qxp
12/26/2006
9:24 AM
Page 1
Extraordinary Instant Matchers "I'm passionate about our business," laughs Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director for Al Essa Marketing. "I love to see people and businesses grow."
Michelle Kruger, Business Development Director
Anyone who has tried to set up in the frantic world of Business in Dubai knows the headache of running around from one department to another to get papers approved and documents attested. Even with the headways in efficiency that the Dubai government has made, knowing exactly what is needed and where to go is always made easier by someone in the know. Al Essa was established three years ago as a 'one-stop shop' for businesses setting up in Dubai, coordinating sponsorships, local partners, visas, business plans and other elements entrepreneurs need to thrive in Dubai's heady business environment. The recruitment side of the company took off in 2004 and surpassed expectations when they launched The Al Essa Network in February 2006. Michelle identified a need for a system that would add value and create ease of work within the HR industry. Al Essa Marketing is the first company in the Middle East to take online recruiting to the next level, by turning the traditional resume-based online recruiting system into a fully interactive instant job matching system that combines the sourcing and the processing of candidates into a unified management system, also incorporating personality profiling on the same platform. The Al Essa Network Recruitment solution reduces recruitment time and cost by over 60%, and delivers dramatically higher efficiency to the recruiting process. This improvement is achieved by intelligent matching between candidate profiles and preferences, and job requirements, and by enabling candidates and recruiters to communicate more efficiently. It enables recruiters to add more value to the process by spending most of their time evaluating fewer, but more qualified candidates, rather than reviewing hundreds of resumes of unqualified candidates. The Network, or 'the solution,' as Michelle calls it, is extremely flexible and can be customized to an extraordinary degree. It is not simply a website, but an adaptable platform with many uses for HR Managers, recruiters and companies. Smaller companies can opt simply to use fewer of the portal's features for a lesser fee. Potentially, each stage of the recruitment process can be automated so that Al Essa would in effect become a company's Human Resources arm. The benefits of such personalized attention are obvious and go beyond simply finding resumes. Al Essa is very excited about being the first Dubai firm to adopt the newest innovation in personality profiling on The Al Essa Network. Although similar technologies have been used extensively in the field of human resources and recruitment for many years, the Wealth Dynamics technology is the first to match personality profiles with clients' job requirements.
354
Best of Dubai
“With Emiratisation being the order of the day in this part of the world, our focused recruiting process solutions in this area are gaining ground everyday.” - Hamad Al Essa
Best of Dubai
355
The Wealth Dynamics entrepreneur profiling system was created by Roger Hamilton, Chairman and Founder of XL Results Foundation in Singapore in 2000. Its creation required years of studying the I Ching, Jungian personality theories, and the activities and strategies of top entrepreneurs from around the globe. This investigation suggested that by identifying a person's personality type, it is possible to predict the investment and business strategies that they are most likely to experience success with. The general premise of the approach is that when people do what comes most naturally to them, they are most likely to find their "flow", have fun, and achieve sustainable success. Six years on, the system has been discovered by almost 50,000 people throughout Asia. Michelle explains that instead of simply matching candidates and employers in an innovative algorithmic process; the qualified candidate will possess the right qualities and wealth profiling to achieve ultimate success in their position. Al Essa's win-win approach to dealing with their clients and candidates, ensures that both sides are happy, enabling a relationship that continues past the initial first few months. The Al Essa Network's database houses CVs from across the globe. Michelle has established firm ties with many professional groups worldwide, enabling her to find candidates who are willing to move to the Gulf region and establish themselves in a new environment. The Network operates to support their client, by providing career sites on the Al Essa Network which jobseekers can visit to learn more about the company and the opportunities it offers. "Our approach is to collaborate and not compete", Michelle says with a smile. "Collaborations between
different agencies and across different forms of media, we believe, allow for greater accomplishments and a higher rate of success across the board." She is confident that value is something that is increasingly sought after as standards continue to rise in Dubai, and that the work her company is doing to change the way companies look at staffing will pay off. This is part of the 'Givers Gain' philosophy that Michelle feels underpins Al Essa's success. To carry that ethos further, the company joined the XL Results Foundation; an Asia-based entrepreneurial networking foundation that promotes world wide wealth empowering social enterprise and global change by increasing their collective ability to create and contribute wealth. XL"stands for "Extraordinary Lives" - a life in which they maximize their power to create and contribute. Social Entrepreneurs contribute at least 10 per cent of their earnings to charitable causes. "Our success in the last year has given us the flexibility to go beyond our usual responsibilities", says Michelle. "We're looking forward to incorporating Wealth Dynamics into all organizations in the Middle East, and change the way organizations recruit, so that they too can become Extraordinary!. "We firmly stand and support the quote that "Wealth isn't how much money you have, but wealth is what you are left with when you loose everything" - Roger Hamilton Al Essa is already doing just that, changing the culture of Human Resources. They take the "U" and "I" in recruitment and form a relationship that works. Tel.: +9714 334 9432 Fax.: +97108 448 0583
Setting Up in Dubai
Powering Global HR Solutions GLOBAL VILLAGE Removing the need for costly legal fee’s and the expensive Consulting retention of in-house staff, qualified HR specialists are available to provide recruitment and human resource solutions through a range of consultancy services available worldwide.
There are very few countries which can boast an upper quartile ranking debut into a survey of the most attractive locations worldwide, however it won't surprise its residents to know Dubai has achieved this in 2006. Global investors consider Dubai amongst the top of their most attractive foreign direct investment locations. As the Emirate evolves into the region's premier financial hub employers and employees face numerous challenges in attracting and retaining talent as well as keeping up with the ever increasing costs which go hand in hand with such large scale commercial and corporate development. Times have changed since Alexandra Maddison first moved to Dubai six years ago, she observes, "Dubai has now become a destination and lifestyle of choice. Long gone are the days when expatriates 'served their time' here in favour of large monetary compensation. With increased exposure in the European press young professionals like myself are eager to be part of the growing phenomenon which is Dubai". Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner of Global Village Consultants graduated in 1999 with a first class honours degree in Law (LLB) from the UK. During her training Alex specialised in commercial and employment law. Following her graduation Alex was recruited by a rapidly expanding global consultancy based in Mayfair, London. For three years Alex headed the international department of this UK based company offering tailor-made human resource and recruitment consultancy services to a range of international clients. "The role was exciting" Alex explains "It was my first opportunity to put my hard earned legal training to use. Due to the nature of the services we provided, many of my clients were celebrities and VIP's with complex specific needs in a global capacity". In this high profile role Alex gained valuable exposure to a variety of markets, "My work regularly brought me to the Middle East and I was fascinated to see the growth and development of the country at an unprecedented rate. I was also attracted by the culture and the climate, the more often I visited the less I wanted to return to the UK!" It is this interest in Dubai which led to Alex making the decision to further her career with Emirates Airline. "Working with Emirates gave me exposure to over 120 nationalities and enabled me to consolidate my international knowledge and gain experience of working in over 50 countries worldwide." By the end of her career with Emirates she had risen to the position of HR manager and worked in nearly all of the 80 destinations throughout Emirates diverse network. "As I was based in the remuneration department I was part of the team responsible for constructing the contractual terms for staff based outside of Dubai. With staff in over 80 locations all employee salary and benefits packages are designed in local currencies, commensurate with the relevant market norms and in compliance with the local legislation.
356
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
357
Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner - Global Village Consulting
This role provided exposure to a variety of markets which, with the benefit of extensive global travel, I was able to experience first hand" When the time came to leave Emirates Alex's career went from strength to strength as she set up Global Village Consultants under the umbrella of Global Village Partnerships. "Global Village Partnerships is a company whose progress I have followed from inception. I strongly admire the vision, creativity and integrity of Sven Boermeester and his team, it is as a result of these values that Global Village Partnerships are steadily conquering all four corners of the world". Global Village Consultants are now providing a valuable addition to this already formidable concept. Offering high level recruitment and human resource consultancy services worldwide, Alex and her team are able to offer their clients dynamic and innovative problem solving solutions for a range a human resource scenarios. Alex describes "through our experienced and qualified consultants we are in the unique position of being able to offer our clients tailormade recruitment and human resources services in any country worldwide. We offer a range of services from targeted recruitment to crosscultural training and pride ourselves in our alacrity and diligence which has guaranteed our presence in this global market". For further information or a free consultation please contact the Global Village Consultancy team on the following; Tel.: +9714 390 3952 www.globalvillage-consulting.com
Setting Up in Dubai
Powering Global HR Solutions GLOBAL VILLAGE Removing the need for costly legal fee’s and the expensive Consulting retention of in-house staff, qualified HR specialists are available to provide recruitment and human resource solutions through a range of consultancy services available worldwide.
There are very few countries which can boast an upper quartile ranking debut into a survey of the most attractive locations worldwide, however it won't surprise its residents to know Dubai has achieved this in 2006. Global investors consider Dubai amongst the top of their most attractive foreign direct investment locations. As the Emirate evolves into the region's premier financial hub employers and employees face numerous challenges in attracting and retaining talent as well as keeping up with the ever increasing costs which go hand in hand with such large scale commercial and corporate development. Times have changed since Alexandra Maddison first moved to Dubai six years ago, she observes, "Dubai has now become a destination and lifestyle of choice. Long gone are the days when expatriates 'served their time' here in favour of large monetary compensation. With increased exposure in the European press young professionals like myself are eager to be part of the growing phenomenon which is Dubai". Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner of Global Village Consultants graduated in 1999 with a first class honours degree in Law (LLB) from the UK. During her training Alex specialised in commercial and employment law. Following her graduation Alex was recruited by a rapidly expanding global consultancy based in Mayfair, London. For three years Alex headed the international department of this UK based company offering tailor-made human resource and recruitment consultancy services to a range of international clients. "The role was exciting" Alex explains "It was my first opportunity to put my hard earned legal training to use. Due to the nature of the services we provided, many of my clients were celebrities and VIP's with complex specific needs in a global capacity". In this high profile role Alex gained valuable exposure to a variety of markets, "My work regularly brought me to the Middle East and I was fascinated to see the growth and development of the country at an unprecedented rate. I was also attracted by the culture and the climate, the more often I visited the less I wanted to return to the UK!" It is this interest in Dubai which led to Alex making the decision to further her career with Emirates Airline. "Working with Emirates gave me exposure to over 120 nationalities and enabled me to consolidate my international knowledge and gain experience of working in over 50 countries worldwide." By the end of her career with Emirates she had risen to the position of HR manager and worked in nearly all of the 80 destinations throughout Emirates diverse network. "As I was based in the remuneration department I was part of the team responsible for constructing the contractual terms for staff based outside of Dubai. With staff in over 80 locations all employee salary and benefits packages are designed in local currencies, commensurate with the relevant market norms and in compliance with the local legislation.
356
Best of Dubai
Best of Dubai
357
Alexandra Maddison, Managing Partner - Global Village Consulting
This role provided exposure to a variety of markets which, with the benefit of extensive global travel, I was able to experience first hand" When the time came to leave Emirates Alex's career went from strength to strength as she set up Global Village Consultants under the umbrella of Global Village Partnerships. "Global Village Partnerships is a company whose progress I have followed from inception. I strongly admire the vision, creativity and integrity of Sven Boermeester and his team, it is as a result of these values that Global Village Partnerships are steadily conquering all four corners of the world". Global Village Consultants are now providing a valuable addition to this already formidable concept. Offering high level recruitment and human resource consultancy services worldwide, Alex and her team are able to offer their clients dynamic and innovative problem solving solutions for a range a human resource scenarios. Alex describes "through our experienced and qualified consultants we are in the unique position of being able to offer our clients tailormade recruitment and human resources services in any country worldwide. We offer a range of services from targeted recruitment to crosscultural training and pride ourselves in our alacrity and diligence which has guaranteed our presence in this global market". For further information or a free consultation please contact the Global Village Consultancy team on the following; Tel.: +9714 390 3952 www.globalvillage-consulting.com
global village consulting3_L1.qxp
12/11/06
3:57 AM
Page 3
Recruitment Expatriate Tax Effective Contracts When recruiting a senior level employee from overseas, advice can be provided on the most tax effective structure of a package. Many clients would benefit from an analysis of the applicable fringe benefits tax that may be required on a company car / apartment / airline tickets and other benefits offered to incentivise overseas key personnel to join the client's team. Relocation Packages Commensurate with industry and client competitive norms, a guideline package can be prepared addressing all aspects of remuneration. Employees and clients can receive a detailed breakdown of a proposed package which can be tailored from the client's current standard remuneration policies and contrasted against the comparative remuneration package in the employee's home country. Assessment Centre Design In this employee competitive environment recruiting one applicant out of the final shortlist is a difficult task with mistakes sometimes proving costly and demoralising. At key personnel level an assessment centre can be designed to explore job specific competencies and the applicant's ability in all areas of the role for which they are being interviewed. Following a detailed consultation with the client, a tailor-made set of tasks are designed to use in evaluating a number of applicants either in a team environment of at an individual level. Depending on the needs of the client, if required, Global Village can then execute the assessment centre or hand over the tasks to the client for their future use. Interviewing Interviewing senior personnel can be a time consuming and costly exercise. Clients can choose from a number of options depending on the level and number of applicants and jobs available. Global Village Consulting options include bulk CV screening, pre-interview assessment and interviewing alone, with your in-house HR team or relevant line manger. Independent Pre / During Employment Contract Negotiations If the client has key personnel they are wishing to retain or junior level staff expressing salary dissatisfaction, they many benefit from external independent one to one contract negotiation or junior level salary review. This is a tried and tested method which may succeed in preventing unionisation or senior level migration. Bulk Recruitment For bulk recruitment including hospitality, airline crew or factory floor staff, recruitment can be time consuming and possibly lack quality and accuracy. Global Village Consultants can handle the recruitment from the advertising to the selection stage, with as much or as little input from the client as required.
global village consulting3_L1.qxp
12/12/06
4:25 PM
Page 4
HR Consultancy Salary Benchmarking & Remuneration Studies Industry or grade specific salary benchmarking is offered in preparation for a salary review or mid-year review to assist with personnel budgeting costs. As this is conducted by an independent consultant the services offered are anti - trust legislation compliant. Global Village Consultants specialise in tailor-made research which provides the client with detailed industry norms and practical, reliable proposals for implementation. Additionally Global Village Consultants are aware of the need to balance the interests of the employee with the needs of the client in this commercially sensitive time. Anti-trust / Competition Law Compliance in an HR Environment With the advance of anti-trust / competition law many benchmarking and industry specific salary surveys regarding competitively sensitive information have been curtailed. In compliance with this legislation Global Village Consultants can act as a third party to collect and evaluate data and provide legally compliant results as required. Union Negotiation With experience in worldwide union negotiations all over the globe, Global Village Consultants are able to handle this sensitive process quickly and efficiently whilst protecting the interests of the company and ensuring harmonious relations with their employees. Following a detailed client consultation the process can be handled independently by Global Village Consultants or back up can be provided in the form of a support role which involves researching the current industry norms and prevailing market pressures which will inevitably play a role in the conclusion of a negotiation process. Start Up Packages / Remuneration Package Design Start up remuneration packages can be drafted for Central, South and North America, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia and Europe. These can be tailor-made to individual countries in accordance with their local labour law and in their local currencies. Absorbing / Removing an In-House Service Take over or removal of an in-house service is subject to a variety of laws and sensitivities worldwide. Advice and an employee package can be provided in a variety of different circumstances to smooth the transition for new and existing staff. Job Description Profiling Across a range of grades and industries, competency and objective based job descriptions can be drafted for client review and implementation.
Training Global Village Consultants are experienced in all areas of employee training. Many pre-prepared courses are available ranging from cultural awareness to job role competencies, such as negotiation, communication and organisation skills. Additionally courses can be prepared and delivered for employers looking to target specific needs of an employee group or skill based teams. Organisational Restructure Advice can be given regarding a client's organisation structure and if necessary a new proposal can be configured in line with the client’s aims. Global Village Consultants have experience of restructuring globally and across a range of industries. Cross Cultural Training Global Village Consultants have experience of working in over 84 cities worldwide. Culturally sensitive training can be provided on a one-to-one basis for key personnel or to groups of employees who interact with staff from other cultures. Presentations can be prepared and delivered or material provided for future use. Policy Drafting Policy, induction, training and compliance manuals can be drafted and as required induction training can provided to relevant line managers. Soft copy manuals can be supplied or an annual review and an updating service is available as part of the service. Climate Surveys Whether our clients are facing increased attrition, staff discontent or undertaking a period of considerable change, many international companies have benefited at some point from an externally conducted personnel study. Sensitive and professionally conducted staff surveys are undertaken to establish the prevailing concerns or challenges for staff and appropriate remedies identified if required. Pension, Superannuation and Retirement Benefit Scheme Consulting Many companies now view retirement benefit schemes holistically as part of broader remuneration strategies rather than as specific standalone benefits. We can advise on the optimum strategy for your business to ensure maximum value to staff and stockholders whilst simultaneously minimizing strategic and operating risks. Advice is available from feasibility stage through to implementation and communication.
GLOBAL VILLAGE
Consulting
Contact Details - Office: +971 (0) 4 390 3952 Mobile: +971 (0) 50 6841119 USA: +1 917 607 7236
G V P e d i a . c o m
